SURREY Police has taken the fight to Waverley’s burglars, arresting four suspected thieves in just 24 hours following a string of break-ins across the Farnham area.

On Wednesday evening of last week, two men were arrested in Alfold in connection with an aggravated burglary. A 32 year old from Bordon and a 35 year old from Crawley were found in possession of items connected to the offence, and have been released under investigation.

A day later, on Thursday afternoon (February 22), a man and woman were arrested in Gorse Lane, Farnham, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary after their Transit van was stopped by police.

When searching the van, officers found a number of suspected stolen items, including a chainsaw. The man, 28, from Godalming, and woman, 27, from Compton, have been released under investigation.

It follows a spate of five burglaries in just three days between February 17 and 20 in Farnham, with homes targeted in Weybourne Road, Brambleton Avenue, St Peter’s Gardens, Kiln Lane and Shortheath Road.

Thieves also made off with treasured war medals and a Mercedes car after a break-in in Lower Weybourne Lane on February 12. The Herald understands at least one of the arrests reported above relate to this offence.

A further burglary was reported in Talbot Road, Farnham, sometime between 9.30am and 12pm on Thursday, February 22 - although police say the thieves left empty handed.

And Farnham Leisure Centre released CCTV images of a man wanted by police following an attempted break-in last Saturday.

The images show a man prowling outside the leisure centre in Dogflud Way between 10.30pm and 11.30pm and the resulting damage to the centre’s front door and changing room windows.

A leisure centre spokesman asked anyone with information to email staff at enquires@pf

pleisure.org or call the police on 101, adding: “We’d also like to apologise to all our members this morning for any disruption while we cleared up all the broken glass around reception. Thank you for your patience.”

Surrey Police also announced earlier last month that it has charged two further men in connection with 37 burglaries across 11 counties, including four in Farnham.

Police cars were also seen rushing through Wrecclesham and down the A31 at around 4.30pm last Friday. The force later confirmed they were responding to a report of a number of men acting suspiciously in River Lane, but after locating the men it was established they lived and worked at the site “so no further action was necessary”.

Waverley Borough Inspector, Mark Bridge, said: “We are aware of the concerns of local residents and we are working hard to tackle this recent spate of burglaries. We have increased our patrols and are targeting known offenders.

“I will ensure my team remain vigilant and that we attend every house burglary. That we investigate all lines of enquiry thoroughly and provide appropriate support and crime prevention advice to all victims.

“I simply encourage you to be vigilant and review the security within your home, shed and garage. If you suspect someone of being involved in burglary, or being in possession of stolen goods, we encourage you to tell us right away.

“Please call us on 101 or report your suspicions to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”