A MAN and a woman have been arrested in connection with a spate of burglaries in North Dorset.

Officers are now issuing crime prevention advice to residents.

Between Friday, June 14 and Monday, June 24 eight burglaries occurred in the north of the county.

There were five incidents in Shaftesbury – two in Beaufoy Close, one in Anstee Road, one in French Mill Rise and another in Badger Walk. Two occurred in Sturminster Newton at addresses in North Fields and Selwood Close and one in Orchard Close in Stourpaine.

In each incident it is reported that access was gained via insecure doors at night and in the early hours of the morning when the occupants have been inside.

On Monday, June 24, a 30-year-old man of no fixed abode was arrested on suspicion of burglary and a 42-year-old woman from Wiltshire was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary with intent to steal. They remain assisting officers with their enquiries.

Inspector Simon Perry, of North Dorset police, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity at addresses in these areas between the relevant dates to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would also like to remind all residents that they can take a number of simple crime prevention steps to help protect themselves from becoming victims of crime. This includes ensuring that all doors and windows are closed and locked. Further crime prevention advice can be found at https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/home-property-belongings/protect-your-home/

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190093836. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.