POLICE are warning householders in Taunton to keep their properties secure, following a number of dwelling burglaries in the town.

Officers have been investigating a number of incidents in the Priory Avenue, Waterleaze and St Quinton's Park area, where entry has been gained to people's properties through insecure back and front doors.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a brave householder in Taunton assisted police in apprehending an offender who he discovered in his property.

Simon Harris, aged 27, from Taunton, was later charged with aggravated burglary and two further counts of burglary.

He appeared before Taunton Deane Magistrates Court on Wednesday and was bailed pending further enquiries into two further counts of burglary.

Police are reminding residents of the importance of taking simple precautions against burglary, such as locking windows and doors when you go out, even if just stepping next door or out in the garden.

People are also advised to use a light timer and not to leave large amounts of cash around the house.

Detective Inspector Alan West from Taunton police station said: "It is important to lock all doors and windows at night, as most burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves.

"In one quarter of all burglaries committed offenders don't even have to use force, they get in through an open door or window."

He added: "We would urge anyone else in the area who has been a victim of this type of crime to report it so it can be fully investigated."

To report a burglary, or for more crime reduction information, contact Taunton police on 0845 4567000, or 999 in an emergency.

Further crime reduction advice can be found on www.avonandsomerset.police.uk