A spate of burglaries have happened in Tunbridge Wells

Officers are investigating five reported break-ins on Saturday.

Two of the offences happened in Langton Green.

A ladder is believed to have been used to get into a home in Widbury, before jewellery was snatched.

A short distance away another home was targeted close to Farnham Lane, where the offenders broke in through a front door. It is unclear at this stage what may have been taken.

Further burglaries have been reported in St James' Road, Tunbridge Wells - where a number of jewellery pieces were taken – and in Southborough.

Residents are being urged to ensure home security remains paramount, especially when out and about. Chief Inspector Dave Pate said: "To have this number of burglaries in the Tunbridge Wells area in such a short period of time is extremely rare."

"Criminals do sometimes specifically target one area at a time, although it is not clear yet whether these offences are linked.

"I would like to remind to residents that we have a team of dedicated officers proactively working around the clock to detect the people who commit these crimes and we do regularly secure prison sentences against burglars."

Chief Insp Pate added: 'We do also need your help to prevent break-ins from happening. Often, taking just a few simple steps is enough to ensure you don’t become a victim of crime. When you go to bed at night use door chains and make sure you don’t leave any keys, purses or valuables near doors or windows, where they can be seen and reached.

"If you go out it is so important to remember to close all windows and double lock doors if you’re able to do so. I would also ask people to please keep an eye out for vulnerable or elderly neighbours and relatives."