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Homeowners in rural areas are being warned of the importance of taking proper security measures.

It comes as three homes in villages near Horncastle, Lincolnshire were burgled on the same day.

Jewellery and computer equipment were among the possessions taken by thieves during raids on the empty homes in Hemingby and Minting, reports the Horncastle News.

The owners of the homes may have difficulty making a claim on their home insurance if it is found that they had not properly secured the properties.

Police in the region and other rural areas are warning residents to make sure they take proper precautions or they could find themselves being burgled and without cover.

"Make sure your perimeters are secure and if you have a gate, ensure it is secured by a lock," said PC Tim Booth, a crime reduction officer based in Boston.

"Use window and door locks throughout your property and also make sure all sheds, garages and outbuildings are secured.

"Alarms in rural areas can be ineffective. However, if you use an alarm system with a telephone communicator that alerts you or a neighbour of suspicious activity at your property, this will be far more effective," he added.

It is important for home owners to check the terms of their insurance policy to ensure that they are not acting in a way that could mean they are not covered, for example by leaving a window open while they are not in the house.

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