POLICE chiefs hunting burglars responsible for a spate of break-ins at homes across Lowestoft this week made eight arrests in connection with different raids.

POLICE chiefs hunting burglars responsible for a spate of break-ins at homes across Lowestoft this week made eight arrests in connection with different raids.

And in an effort to further crack down on these callous crimes, Waveney Crime Reduction officers have been busy distributing leaflets to homes across the town.

This comes after another 18 house burglaries and attempted break-ins were recorded between last Tuesday and Monday this week. And this takes the total up to 87 house burglaries and attempted burglaries since October 27.

Worryingly, this follows a previous spate of burglaries in the Lowestoft area, where 177 house burglaries and attempted burglaries were recorded between December 2008 and the end of April last year.

But this week police reiterated their call to local householders - if anyone spots suspicious behaviour they should call 999 immediately - while residents were being urged to leave lights on, on timers if possible.

'Work remains ongoing to catch those responsible with plain clothed and uniformed patrols being made both in the north and the south of the town,' police spokesman Anne-Marie Breach said.

'Officers should be in a position to respond quickly if we do get reports of unusual activity. Six of the eight arrests this week were made in part thanks to quick calls from the public - and we would ask that you continue to help stop this series of crimes.

'The offenders have no regard for the upset and distress they are causing others - please help us catch them,' Ms Breach added.

With the crime prevention leaflet calling on householders to not become a victim, as vital security measures are listed for locals.

'These crimes are predominantly being carried out by young males aged 16 to 20 years and if you see anyone of that description carrying unboxed flatscreen TV's or items inside a pillowcase, or anything of that nature, call 999,' the leaflet says.

Six teenage boys were arrested following a burglary in Enstone Road, Lowestoft about 5.30pm last Wednesday December.

Eighteen-year-old Damien Wentworth, of Laurel Road, has been subsequently charged with burglary and theft after two games consoles and a laptop computer were stolen. He is due to appear at Lowestoft Magistrates Court.

Three 18-year-olds, a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old were also arrested in connection with this burglary, and they have been bailed to return to Lowestoft police station on either February 17 or 18.

The other two police arrests this week saw a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy arrested after a burglary at a house in Frostenden Crescent between December 23 and 30.

The pair have been bailed to return to Lowestoft Police Station on February 1, pending further enquiries.