Police are appealing for information after a series of break-ins in the Falkirk area during the past two months.

Five houses in Comyn Drive, Wallacestone, were broken into between 23 October and 25 November.

A break-in was also reported at a house in Standrigg Road, Wallacestone, on the 8 December. 

Another house in Greenvale Drive, Brightons, was broken into on 12 December and also Fairhaven Terrace, Reddingmuirhead, the following day. Entry was forced to the rear of both of these addresses.

Inspector Christopher Stewart, of Grangemouth Police Station, said: “It goes without saying that housebreaking is a horrible crime to experience, and we would urge anyone who has seen suspicious behaviour in the area to get in touch. I am confident that these crimes are all related and we are carrying out a number of enquiries in an effort to identify and apprehend those responsible. 

“There is advice available on our website in relation to simple measures that the public can take to prevent their house being targeted.

"This includes keeping hedges, walls and fences at the front of your property to a maximum of 1.2m in order to make it harder for an intruder to go unseen, and ensuring gates giving access to the rear of properties are locked and secured. 

“If you’re going on holiday, get to know your neighbours – if you’re on good terms with neighbours then they might keep an eye on your home, draw curtains and remove mail from behind the door. Use timers on lights and if you have an alarm, then make sure it’s set.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.