A NEW joint operation has been launched to curb the rising rate of burglaries in Bexley.

Last year Bexley had the lowest rate of burglaries for five years but now numbers are creeping up again and now average at more than five a week.

Operation Eris, which will run throughout this month, targets both burglars and their victims by distributing crime prevention advice to homes in burglary hot spots.

The operation involves Bexley police, the council, the Community Safety Partnership, Neighbourhood Watch, residential landlords and the youth offending team.

The aim is to reduce burglaries by four per cent.

People are being urged to make sure windows and doors are shut and locked, keys and possessions are not left visible.

And they are urged to call 999 if they see anything suspicious.