Police in Winchester are issuing crime prevention advice following a spate of burglaries. Since November there have been five burglaries or related incidents reported from the South Wonston area. Officers believe they are linked and are following up a number of enquiries to identify the person or persons responsible.
Police Constable Emma Purser who is investigating said: “We would not normally expect to see this number of burglaries in such a small village.
“We have a number of lines of enquiry which we are pursuing but I’d like to ask residents to help us too.
"If you see anything or anyone suspicious in the area do call police immediately. In addition, the following crime prevention tips are helpful:
• Shut all windows and lock them when you are not using the room, at night and when you leave your property
• Lock all front and rear doors at night and when you are out. If you have a UPVC door with a multi-point lock ensure you lift the handle and lock it with the key
• Ensure all car keys and other keys are out of sight and not in reach of windows and letterboxes. It doesn't take much for the keys to be hooked through the letterbox.”
One of the five burglaries was an attempt. In another, at Downs Road on November 27, nothing was taken but a man was found in the property.
He is described as:
- White
- In his 40s
- About 6ft tall
- Muscular build
- Short but not shaven mousey brown hair
- Wearing a long sleeved blue check shirt and dark blue jeans
A glass door was smashed to gain entry at third burglary at Orchard Road on December 20. Jewellery was taken in this break-in.
In another at Wrights Close between 4 and 8 January 2012, a large amount of jewellery and cash was taken.
PC Purser said: “If you have any information which could help us please get in touch. Do you recognise the description of the man? I’d also like to ask all residents in the area to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us.
“This is very unusual for the area and I’m hopeful that with the public’s help, we can find who is responsible.”
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Priority Crime Team at Winchester on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, please call 0845 045 45 45. To contact an officer please use our Contact an Officer Form
