An Island councillor has warned people to lock away Christmas presents after a reported 20 burglaries in Rushenden in three weeks.

Halfway and Queenborough councillor Jackie Constable says police are warning residents in the area about the spate of offences.

Cllr Constable, of High Street, Queenborough, said: “It makes you frightened to go out, especially if you have got youngsters that you are buying presents for.

“Police were going door-to-door warning people to lock their doors, shut your windows and cover up expensive presents under your trees.”

She said police had also advised against bragging about expensive Christmas gifts on Facebook for fears burglars were using the social network site to target homes.

The borough and town councillor said she personally knew of two burglaries in 10 days and was told the reported figure of 20 burglaries in the past three weeks by a PCSO at a full council meeting last week.

Rushenden Club reported a crime to the police five weeks ago in which a till was taken from their premises on Rushenden Road, Queenborough, containing around £400.

• Have you been affected? Add your comments below