AN investigation has been launched following a burglary in Bridgwater.

Officers were patrolling the East Bower area of Bridgwater at 4.40am this morning (Tuesday, January 9) when they spotted a man acting suspiciously near the doorway of a house and he was arrested in nearby Sully Close.

The officers found a purse nearby and after waking the occupants of the house, found that a handbag which had contained the purse was missing.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "A 38-year-old man was arrested and has been released under investigation. Enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information which could help the investigation is asked to get in touch through the police website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact, or by calling 101, quoting reference 5218/005713.

Police remind everyone they can help to keep their neighbourhood safe by reporting suspicious incidents.

A spokesman said: "If you see someone acting suspiciously around a neighbour’s property, call police straight away. If they’re obviously breaking in, ring 999. Otherwise, call the non-emergency number 101: operators are on hand 24/7.

"To keep your own home secure officers advise:
• locking up and setting the alarm, if you have one, at night as well as when you go out 
• making sure your door is locked by turning the key – some 'paddle and stub'-handled doors might seem to be locked by lifting the handle, but can still be opened from outside 
• never leaving the key in the lock or in sight of the letterbox
• fitting a letterbox cage 
• fitting motion-sensing security lights around your property 
• keeping tools locked up in a secure shed or garage 
• making sure garden furniture and wheelie bins can’t be moved to gain access to upstairs windows