There were 17 burglaries and attempted burglaries at homes and businesses across Bexley reported to police in the last week, according to neighbourhood patrols.

Reports given to the Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch showed that Bexley police units were called to homes across the different wards regarding burglaries since last Friday.

Wards in which burglaries were reported to police include Bexleyheath, Blackfen and Lamorby, Blendon and Penhill, Crook Log, East Wickham, Erith, Longlands, Sidcup and St. Mary's and St James.

One incident reported to police in Blackfen on November 3 involved two men who were reportedly caught on CCTV, ringing the doorbell of a house to check if anyone was home before entering the house by smashing through a patio window.

Both men were believed to have Irish accents and got away with some small items.

Another incident reported involved a charity box being stolen from a McDonald's restaurant in Erith last Sunday.

This comes after the Met Police launched its Be Safe campaign last week which is encouraging Londoners to take simple steps in order to avoid becoming victims of burglary.

It also urges people to go beyond just securing doors and windows and look at other ways they can make their homes look less appealing to burglars.

These include leaving timer switches on lights, installing motion sensor security lighting and investing in a small safe for valuables.

Superintendent Sean Wilson, Met lead for burglary, said: “We do not underestimate the effect that being a victim of burglary has and want to work with residents to make sure they have taken every opportunity to keep their home and valuables safe.

“We cannot be complacent and we must make sure that we all continue to take the right steps to, where possible, avoid homes becoming a target." said Supt Wilson.