A man has been charged with two burglaries in Caterham and Warlingham and for impersonating a police officer.

The offences occurred in Stafford Close, Caterham on December 5, 2017 and in Cedar Close, Warlingham on August 13, 2018.

Phillip Trapp, 47, of Worcester Park, was remanded when he appeared at Staines Magistrates Court on September 6. He has been remanded in custody to next appear at Guildford Crown Court on October 4.

Taking just a few steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe from burglary. Here are a few tips:

· Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you're just out in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn key)

· Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox (remember a device could be used to hook and remove keys through the letterbox)

· Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition

· Keep ladders and tools stored away; don’t leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home

· Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property

· Install an intruder alarm

· Install dusk to dawn outside lighting

· To help make our county a no-go area for burglars, we have become a SelectaDNA force. SelectaDNA is a forensic marking product that acts as a deterrent to burglars.

More information about which can be found at www.surrey.police.uk/burglary