After a lengthy investigation, Fribourg cantonal police have charged two men with 39 break-and-enter offences.

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The two men, citizens of Kosovo, were also charged with a further 10 attempted burglaries in the canton.

The alleged crimes, involving the theft of property worth hundreds of thousands of francs, took place between December 2011 and July 2012, police said.

The men, aged 22 and 29, were arrested on July 7th after a break-in in Misery.

Police intercepted the pair in a vehicle at Grolley.

The man behind the wheel did not possess a driver’s licence, while the passenger did not have a Swiss residency permit, police said.

In addition to criminal charges for the burglaries, the men, currently in jail, face accusations of violating the federal law on foreigners.

Fribourg cantonal police are currently running a public awareness campaign on ways to deter burglaries.

Residents are advised to inform neighbours if they are going away and to notify police of any suspicious behaviour.

In cases of absence at night, police recommend leaving an exterior light on, while “simulating a presence” by turning on a few lights inside.

In addition to locking doors and windows, residents should empty mailboxes to avoid tipping off would-be intruders, police add.