An anti-burglary blitz in Sutton has resulted in 17 arrests in one week.

Sutton Police’s Operation Bajith saw 14 arrests for burglary with the remaining arrests for handling stolen goods, taking and driving away a vehicle and having an offensive weapon.

Four suspects have been charged with burglary offences and are currently remanded in custody.

Enquiries continue with the remaining suspects who are all currently on police bail.

A police spokesman said one suspect, who was stopped by a dog handler, was found in possession of a number of mobile phones.

While under arrest, one of the phones rang and police took the call from the owner wondering where his phone had gone.

Detective Inspector Jim Bennett said: “If you see anyone acting suspiciously by hanging around in the street, particularly at the front or back of properties, then please call police immediately on 999."

Sutton Crime Prevention Officer PC Pat Simcox urged residents to take a few simple security steps to discourage opportunist criminals such as ensuring doors have two locks on them, windows have security locls and not leaving house keys within easy reach of letterbox.

PC Simcox said: “It’s a sad fact that properties that appear unoccupied and insecure are far more likely to be targeted than those which are properly secured.

“So please do all you can to lock out thieves.”

For further crime prevention advice call Sutton’s Crime Prevention Team on 020 8649 0569.

• Want to become one of our community correspondents? Log on to our Your Say section, click here to email Diana Jarvis or phone 020 8330 9592.