Police are warning residents in Burnham-On-Sea not to get caught napping by leaving cat flaps insecure.
The warning comes after a spate of incidents in the Somerset West police region – which covers Burnham – during the last week when homes have been broken into after entry via a cat flap.
On each occasion the offender has first removed a tool from a nearby shed or outhouse and then used it to poke through the flap and unlock doors or bolts.
“Flaps should always be secured at night and sheds or outbuildings properly locked, with garden tools put away and secured,” said a police spokesman.
“In each of the break-ins, purses, wallets and bags were taken and the offender made a quick exit. All valuables should be hidden from openings so as not to tempt an opportunist thief.”
