Officers are attempting to gather intelligence on when and where burglaries are taking place, and increasing the police presence in that area.

Police chief Supt Paul Kirkland launched Operation Frustrate after an extra 155 burglaries were recorded in 2003.

He said: "This operation is primarily focused on continuing to reduce the number of household burglaries in the area but criminals in general are likely to feel the pinch as our resources are targeted and focused on crime and disorder hotspots across the area."

Officers began the operation in Hungerford - where the local police station is unmanned at night - last week, and are checking car databases for suspect number plates, and using unmarked cars. But the initiative covers the whole district.

Evidence suggests that many thieves come into the district from Swindon, Bristol and London to target rural properties, but Supt Kirkland added: "West Berkshire is still a very safe area within the Thames Valley, as is shown by the reduction in overall crime, and I am proud that the figures are starting to reflect the result of my team's hard work.

"The area's burglary rate has slowed from a 31 per cent increase to zero per cent and detections have risen by 169 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared with the same time last year."

Last month, Thatcham man Nicholas John Velvick, 34, of Crowfield Drive, was jailed for a year for burglary and an attempted car break-in.

Last week, Danny and Maurice Black, were charged with an attempted burglary of Hermitage Post Office. Danny, 26, of Horfield in Bristol, was jailed for two months in prison, while Maurice, 23, of North Way, Newbury, was also charged and remanded in custody until July 14.

Overall, crime in the district was down by less than 3% in the three months until June, during which time 29 suspected burglars have been arrested.