Residents are being urged to stay vigilant and secure their premises after nearly 30 burglaries in just two days.

Last weekend saw one of the highest rates of burglaries this year as 29 homes were broken into in just 48 hours.

According to Met crime statistics for Croydon, in December last year there were 283 burglaries across the borough, or slightly more than nine a day.

Detective superintendent, Fran Smith said: “There has been a higher number of burglaries reported to us this weekend.

“However, we also made eight arrests in connection with burglaries in the same period, and we are continuing with our ongoing work to tackle burglary across the borough by disrupting the activity of burglars and targeting those buying and selling stolen goods.

“We are also tackling those who make false claims of burglary as this diverts valuable resources from genuine victims of crime.

“We continue to urge people to keep their homes secure whether they are in or out. A significant proportion of burglaries happen in insecure premises, so if you keep your doors and windows locked, then you are less likely to become a victim.”