THROUGHOUT the past year there has been a rise in the number of burglaries committed in both Fairford and Lechlade, police have reported.

Sergeant at Cotswold local police authority Garrett Gloyn said in recent months the number of burglaries in the two towns have remained fairly consistent.

"However, over the past twelve months we have suffered a rise in both types of burglary across the district including Fairford and Lechlade," he said.

"Tackling this rise is both a local and force wide priority and the responsibility for ongoing investigation of dwelling burglaries has recently passed to the force crime operations unit."

Recently officers from Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Thames Valley have been coming together to identify and tackle thieves travelling into the towns.

Police are also giving residents tips on how to make their property less appealing to burglars, such as putting crunchy gravel on pathways and installing night lighting.

Safer community team officers will be in Fairford market place on Thursday, June 4 and Lechlade market place on Monday, June 8 to discuss crime prevention with local residents. The police and crime commissioner, Martin Surl, will also be attending these events. Anyone from the community is able to come along and meet local officers and raise any concerns.