THE Forest is being hit by a burglary crime wave as thieves take advantage of the dark evenings to spot properties where no one is at home.

There has been an average of one break-in a day since the beginning of the month at homes and businesses around the Dean.

There have been three burglaries over the past two weeks in Templeway West, Lydney and more recently Berry Hill Primary School was broken into some time during Tuesday night.

Inspector Rich Boyles told Lydney town councillors on Monday that the thieves were generally striking between 3pm and 8pm.

"Burglary is on the rise in all four Forest towns," he said.

"People have been arrested but it hasn't arrested the crime trend.

"It is happening when dark falls when they can see which houses have the lights on.

"Jewellery and small electrical items are being stolen, not generally larger items, such as TVs.

"What we are recommending is for people to have timer lights fitted in their homes so it appears that the house is occupied."

Other places that have been targeted include Harbour Road and Klondyke Avenue in Lydney, New Road in Blakeney, Carisbrooke Road in Mitcheldean, Wynols Close in Broadwell, a business in the Tufthorn Industrial Estate, Woodlands Close in Whitecroft, two addresses in Newent, including one in Court Road and one in Bromsberrow.

Businesses have not escaped either. Thieves snatched a flat screen monitor from The Forester office in Cinderford's High Street after throwing a rock through a front door window.

The theft happened sometime during Friday night.

Superintendent Phil Haynes said despite the thefts the Forest remained a very safe place to live.

"I'd like to assure people that we are doing everything we can to identify those people and bring them to justice," he said.

"The number of burglaries is statistically quite small and while the Forest is still a very safe place to live I would urge residents to make sure their properties are secure.

"Operation Rapier is ongoing at the moment and is targeted at engaging and disrupting burglaries and the handling of stolen goods."