Local residents of Radstock are being urged to be especially vigilant after a thief hit a house in the town in broad daylight. The thief struck at a property in Wesley Avenue in Radstock, between 12.15pm and 2.15pm on Sunday 1 December.

Police said that the thief, or thieves, used a washing machine left outside to stand on and gain access the property. Items taken included money and jewellery.

The police said: "House to house enquiries have been carried out. If anyone saw or heard anything suspicious around this time, or has information which could help our inquiry, please call us on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5219277672."

Officers also took the opportunity to remind residents to be extra careful this festive season, with the following crime prevention tips:

Lock all your windows and doors every time you leave your house - even if you are just in the garden – and remembering to double lock UPVC doors.

Keep entrances to your property easily visible by ensuring nearby hedges and trees are well maintained.

Make sure boundaries to your property – including fencing and walls – are in a good state of repair.

Ensure any side gates are securely locked to prevent unwanted access to the rear of your property.

Where possible install a visual burglar alarm and an outside security light, ideally one of which is sensor-activated.

Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows.

Remove keys from door locks and store them out of sight.

Store any high value items such as jewellery and passports in a properly secured and hidden safe or bank vault.

Where possible, leave radios and lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied

Consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme