POLICE are warning that a team of burglars has been operating along stretches of the A39 and A358. Houses in Minehead, Bridgwater and a number of villages along these routes have been broken into and residents are being urged to be extra vigilant. The attacks are taking place during the hours of darkness, after 7pm, and are targeted at houses where the residents appear to be either out or away. But in one case an elderly resident disturbed the offenders and was held captive while her property was searched. The police advise occupiers to leave lights on and try to make the house appear occupied if they are going out and will not be back before dark. Time switches fitted to lights is recommended, as is leaving a radio playing. PC Keith Wigglesworth, crime reduction officer for the area, said: "We are urging householders to take what are often simple measures to prevent this type of offence from occurring." Police are appealing for anyone with information about the burglaries to contact Minehead police station on 0845 4567000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. "We would also ask anyone who sees anything suspicious, whether it be people or vehicles, to report it immediately," said PC Wigglesworth.
