An elderly woman suffered two visits from burglars during the Christmas period, spurring police pressure on offenders.

The 82-year-old lost £80 and her house keys in a burglary on December 19 and was the victim of robbers again on December 30.

She was one of 23 people in the Littlehampton area who have been burgled in the past two weeks.

The woman is being given priority support from local police who, while investigating the offences, are carrying out a crime survey on her property to help prevent further attacks.

Burglars have been targeting homes in Wick, East Preston, Littlehampton and Rustington at all hours and sometimes returning to the same address.

Anything from jewellery and cash to TVs and Playstation games consoles have been taken.

Police are working to help solve these crimes by working with specialist units to gather intelligence information, make forensic examinations and undertake high visibility patrols.

Chief Inspector Steve Whitton, of Arun police, said: "The end of the year saw a number of burglaries in my district, most happening in clusters in the towns.

"I am directing my resources to track down these offenders and so help curb such crimes in the future.

"Arun is a safe place to live and am committed to making our community even safer.

"In order to reduce burglaries in the long term, residents must help us by ensuring their homes are secure and take all the necessary precautions."

Local crime prevention officer PC Mark Tester said the best measures to secure your home were to:

Make sure the locks to your
doors and windows comply with the minimum standards adopted by the Institute of British Insurance companies.

Ensure all valuables are security
marked and those items of high value are photographed.

Consider the installation of an
intruder alarm system by a qualified installer.

Join Neighbourhood Watch and
become part of the local community safety effort.

Local crime prevention officers are able to give individual advice on security matters and residents should not hesitate to contact them for further information or advice.

For a free information booklet on keeping your home secure, contact Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Ivor Webb on 0845 6070999.