A man has been charged and two others arrested after a string of burglaries and thefts in Godmanchester.

Twenty-three such crimes were reported in the Huntingdon area between Monday, November 24 and Monday of this week, 15 of them in Godmanchester.

Sergeant Aaron Murphy, of the Problem Solving Team at Huntingdon Police Station, said: “This is a crime spike, and one which has been quickly seized upon by local policing – increased patrols, local community engagement, and intelligence work resulting in several persons being arrested on suspicion of these offences.

“It goes without saying that this volume of crime is unacceptable, but I feel that the policing response has been proportionate in making the residents of Godmanchester feel safe.”

A 22-year-old man, from Chapman Way, Eynesbury, has been charged with two counts of burglary and one of possessing a class B drug.

Two other men, one aged 20 from Somersham and another aged 19 from Cambridge Street, Godmanchester, were arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft from a vehicle in Godmanchester on Wednesday and Thursday (November 26 and 27) last week. They were released on police bail while the investigation continues.

PC Jo Grant, of the Huntingdon Priority Crime Team, said an increased policing presence in Godmanchester would continue.

She also thanked residents for their support and vigilance. “It is very humbling to see residents getting together and supporting/helping one another, and their local police to combat this type of mindless criminality,” she added.

The increased policing presence comes after Mayor of Godmanchester Councillor David Underwood wrote to Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Graham Bright asking for reassurance about the level of police support for the town.

His letter was in response to concerns raised by residents about a perceived increase in crime.

Cllr Underwood said he had received a reply from Sir Graham saying that crime had dropped and was consistently low in Godmanchester, and that the town was getting the full attention of the police force.

He said the town council was considering inviting a representative from Cambridgeshire police to a future meeting.

Thefts and burglaries between November 24 and December 1 were reported at the National Grid Gas Site, Cow Lane (compressor stolen); The Co-op depot, Cardinal Way (high-value items taken); Offord Road (theft of diesel); four in Stokes Drive (two vehicles broken into and money stolen, a house burglary and a vehicle broken into but nothing stolen); Sweetings Road (attempted break-in); London Road (garage broken into, nothing taken); two in Roman Way (both burglaries where offenders entered via front door); Crowhill (vehicle break-in, rucksack stolen); Martin Close (vehicle break-in, nothing stolen); and two in Dove House Close (vehicle break-in, nothing stolen, and house burglary).