Plymouth police are investigating a series of burglaries in the city where offenders have appeared to target owners and staff from the takeaway food industry and other professional individuals.

Detectives are linking 19 burglaries which have taken place since the start of the year, where the victims have mainly been either Indian or Chinese nationals.

The burglaries have taken place in Crownhill, Mannamead, Hartley, Plympton, Plymstock, Woolwell, Prince Rock, Eggbuckland and Mainstone. Six burglaries were reported over the weekend of Friday 11 April to Sunday 13 April.

Detective Inspector Jon Phillips said: “The offences are mainly in the north of the city and the offenders are looking for high-value jewellery, specifically gold, plus cash and safes in the properties.

“The burglaries are mainly happening during the day while the owners are out with offenders usually entering properties by climbing into back gardens before forcing locked windows or doors.

“Plymouth police are conducting wide-ranging enquiries to investigate and detect these burglaries and we are appealing to the public to help us catch these offenders.

“We would like to hear from anyone to contact us if they have seen suspicious activity or individuals in their neighbourhoods in recent weeks".

Plymouth officers will also be undertaking increased patrols over the Easter weekend to provide reassurance for residents.

Police are reminding residents to undertake simple security measures to protect their homes. These include: • Keep windows and doors locked and secure.

• Don’t leave keys in window or door locks.

• Consider installing a security alarm or sensor lights.

• Security-mark your valuables and register the items with www.immobilise.com to ensure they can be returned to you in the event of a theft.

• Do not leave valuables on display near to windows.

For more advice visit: http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/CrimePrevention/BurglaryTheft/Pages/Theftfromyourhome.aspx Anyone who has information which could assist with the enquiry is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference EK/14/24.