POLICE have arrested five suspected burglars in Worcestershire with two suspects accused of burgling a man in his 80s.

Four of the burglaries took place this month and one at the end of last month.

A senior detective based in Worcester has urged homeowners to take extra steps to protect their property and reduce their risk of being targeted now warmer weather has arrived and people are more likely to leave windows and doors open.

DI Stuart Murphy of West Mercia Police's Priority CID said they had arrested and charged five people for a series of burglaries in Worcester and one in Evesham.

None of the burglaries are being linked at this stage and DI Murphy said he wanted people to take some simple steps to help thwart the raids.

Jason Daniels, aged 37, and Ian Gourley, aged 39, both of Birmingham have been charged with burglary and going equipped following a car key burglary in Roach Close, Worcester.

Craig Fewtrell, aged 39, has been arrested and charged following a burglary in Keats Avenue, Worcester.

Wayne Mountford, aged 33, and Dylan Morgan, aged 34, both of Evesham, have been arrested and charged in connection with a burglary in the town which involved an 83-year-old victim.

DI Murphy said with the weather becoming warmer it was important to remind the public to take steps to protect their property, including locking windows and doors, leaving a light on as deterrent if they leave their home during the evening and not leaving valuables or car keys on show to tempt burglars.

He said: “They will try door handles and the number of people who don’t lock their doors is quite alarming. A lot of burglaries are opportunistic.

"When you present someone with an opportunity to commit a crime, they will take that opportunity. If you can take that opportunity away from them it reduces the risk of crime.

“If there is anything suspicious please don’t hesitate to ring the police. The crime prevention message is really important. Protect your property.”

Those who wish to report a burglary should call the emergency number 999 if it is in progress or 101 in a non-emergency.