Ian ClarkePolice are stepping up high visibility patrols on industrial estates in the Dereham are after a spate of break-ins.Five units have been burgled in recent weeks and officers are urging companies to be more vigilant.Ian Clarke

Police are stepping up high-visibility patrols on industrial estates in the Dereham area after a spate of break-ins.

Five units have been burgled in recent weeks and officers are urging companies to be more vigilant.

Insp Paul Wheatley said: "I would ask that all owners and employees report any suspicious activity relating to industrial sites to the police.

"We are increasing patrols on the estates, but ask for the assistance of industrial units to ensure premises are secured, alarms are set and any high-value items are locked inside the premises where possible."

The crime prevention advice from police includes reviewing procedures to ensure property is well protected, monitoring visitors, being on the look-out for unusual or suspicious behaviour, encouraging staff to be security-conscious, establishing contact with all neighbouring businesses, security marking valuable equipment and plant machinery, not leaving expensive items on display, and locking all doors and windows when the unit is unoccupied.

Insp Wheatley added: "Stay in contact with the police and stop these criminals in their tracks."

Anyone seeing suspicious activity around any of the industrial units, or if you have been offered something for sale that you suspect has been stolen, contact police on 0845 456 4567, or on 999 if a crime is in progress.