DETECTIVES are continuing to hunt for burglars responsible for a worrying spate of break-ins at homes in the Lowestoft area.The Journal can today reveal that in the period between December 23 and February 10 there have been 62 house burglaries reported across Carlton Colville, Kirkley and Lowestoft.

DETECTIVES are continuing to hunt for burglars responsible for a worrying spate of break-ins at homes in the Lowestoft area.

The Journal can today reveal that in the period between December 23 and February 10 there have been 62 house burglaries reported across Carlton Colville, Kirkley and Lowestoft.

And with 23 burglaries alone in the past fortnight, police this week revealed that they had made several arrests as they aim to put a stop to the crime spree.

With detectives continuing to look at links between several of the burglaries, in which thousands of pounds worth of valuables have been stolen and sentimental items taken, householders and local residents were this week asked to play their part in the crackdown.

Police are urging people to 'be vigilant' and to report anything suspicious immediately by telephoning 999 as enquiries continue.

Between January 31 and February 9 there have been nine homes targeted at Bevan Street West, Westland Road, Yarmouth Road, Windward Way and Thurston Road in Lowestoft; Laurel Road, Enstone Road and Kirkley Gardens in Kirkley and St Peters Road in Carlton Colville.

An 18-year-old man and two 17-year-olds were arrested in connection with the burglary at Kirkley Gardens at the weekend.

A number of items were stolen between 3pm on Saturday and 1.30pm on Sunday, including jewellery, a lap top computer, cash and a flatscreen TV. The three teenagers have now been bailed to return to Lowestoft police station in March.

In another incident at the weekend a large quantity of cash, an Ipod and items of jewellery were taken after thieves broke into a home in Windward Way between 12.30pm and 7.15pm on Saturday. The callous thief even stole cash from a children's moneybox.

Burglars also stole a large amount of cash after breaking into a house in Thurston Road between 5.55pm and 8.30pm on Monday.

As enquiries into the spate of burglaries across the town continue, with work ongoing to trace the thieves, The Journal can reveal that the following arrests have been made, to go with the others above.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an alleged burglary at a house in Winnipeg Road between December 9-12. He is on bail to return to Lowestoft police station on March 25.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary following an incident in Beaconsfield Road on Monday, January 26.

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with an alleged burglary at Carlton Road on January 7 while a 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with an alleged burglary on Boxing Day at San Francisco Walk.

Police spokesman Anne-Marie Breach said: 'Work is ongoing to trace the offenders for burglaries in the town and police are urging residents to be alert, with officers renewing appeals for anyone who sees anything unusual to call 999 immediately. We would rather receive a call so we can check it out immediately and stop the burglar.'

Miss Breach added: 'In several of the offences, large-screen TVs have been taken and officers would like to hear from anyone if they see, or have seen, someone carrying similar electrical items.'

Reiterating the fact that police had made several arrests and enquiries are ongoing, she added: 'Residents have an important part to play and officers are also asking that people postcode-mark any valuable items, record serial numbers and take photographs of any jewellery.

'Please also remember to remove keys from the locks of your home to make entry and exit more difficult for offenders.'

If you have any information on the burglaries, or have been offered any of the above types of property, please contact Lowestoft CID on 01986 835300.