A “BURGLAR” has been handing out advice to Henley residents on how they can make their homes more secure.

Police have launched a burglary awareness campaign in a response to a rise in break-ins in the town centre.

Officers have been at the Tesco and Waitrose stores informing shoppers about the sort of homes targeted by burglars.

They have also been knocking on doors, handing out free ultra-violet postcode pens to mark possessions and delivering information leaflets to hundreds of households.

Pc Julie Greenough was at Waitrose in Bell Street with police community support officers Nick Glass, from the Woodcote neighbourhood police team, and Janice Smith, who patrols Henley town centre.

PC Greenough said: “We are making the public aware of the issue of burglary in the Henley sector because of the increase in offences that we have had.

“We have been carrying out high-visibility patrols and handing out crime prevention advice.”

Pcso Smith said it was small things that could make the difference, such as not leaving your house keys on view.

She said: “Have more lights on at home, make sure all the windows and doors are locked and your vehicle is locked and if you are going away over the Christmas period, let your neighbours know.”

In the latest spate of raids, burglars have targeted Green Lane, Elizabeth Road, Vicarage Road, Greys Road, King James Way and Haywards Close.

Insp Mark Harling, head of Henley police, has drafted in officers from other areas and is using mounted police patrol in burglary hot spots.

About £2,000 worth of goods, including jewellery and DVDs, were stolen from a house in King James Way between December 4 and 8 after a rear door was forced open. Two laptops, a 48in television and a mobile phone were stolen from a house in the same road during the night of December 1. The kitchen window was forced open.

Henley Youth Centre in Deanfield Avenue was broken into between 5.30pm and 6pm on November 28. The side fire escape doors had been prised open. No damage was caused but furniture was overturned in the internet café. Two empty cider bottles and a black fleece were found at the scene.

Coins to the value of £60 were stolen from a house in Haywards Close between November 29 and December 3. A rear window was forced open.

Published 20/12/12