A total of 21 burglaries or attempted burglaries have been reported over the past week.

Police are warning the public to be vigilant and say the burglaries are over a large area of the island.

Extra patrols are in place to try to combat the culprits.

Detective Inspector Dave Dobbie said: 'There continues to be contact from members of the public reporting suspicious activity, which we are grateful for. We ask that people continue to be vigilant, both around their and neighbouring houses, particularly if the houses are unoccupied.

'These incidents have occurred over a large area of the Island and the message for the public to be attentive and to report anything suspicious applies to all of our community.'

The most recent burglaries took place over Wednesday and Thursday and were in the south, Douglas and Onchan areas, bringing the total since last Friday to 21. Police believe they are linked.

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