Warning to residents after spate of burglaries in West End

We are warning residents to be on their guard following a number of burglaries in the West End area.

This comes after seven non-dwelling burglaries were reported between 19 January and 31 January. Work is ongoing to establish whether these incidents are connected.

The burglaries happened at various times of the day, with sheds and garages being targeted. We are investigating:

• A shed burglary at an address on Helford Gardens overnight between 19 and 20 January. A tool box was stolen. (Reference: 44230041355)
• A garage burglary on Wyle Close the following night. A quantity of alcohol was stolen. (Reference: 44230037730)
• A shed burglary at an address on Harbourne Gardens between the 19 January and 22 January. Multiple items were stolen including golf clubs, a Bosch cordless hammer drill, and a belt sander, and a socket set. (Reference: 44230037272)
• Another burglary on Harbourne Gardens between 7pm on 22 January and 7am on 23 January. A Lambretta scooter, fishing gear, and gardening equipment was stolen from a shed. (Reference: 44230031106)
• A shed break at an address on Culvery Gardens between 5am and 5.30am on 28 January. A hedge trimmer and charging pack was stolen. (Reference: 44230037272)
• A burglary in a garage on Duddon Close on 28 January. Multiple tools were stolen. (Reference: 44230037730)
• A garage burglary on Kennet Close overnight between 30 and 31 January. A guitar monitor was stolen. (Reference: 44230041355)

We would like to hear from anyone with information on any of these incidents. Did you notice anything suspicious? Perhaps you saw someone hanging around the area? Anyone with information can phone 101 with the relevant reference number listed with the incident above.

We also wanted to take the opportunity to remind you of our crime prevention advice around burglaries:

• 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. Remove the key after the door or window is locked.
• Put all car keys and other keys 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.
• Leave a light on so your home looks occupied if you are going out for the evening. If you head out while it is still daylight and won't be back till after dark then timer switches (available from most DIY stores) can be useful for turning your lights, radios and other appliances on at a set time before you get back.
• Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.
• Do not leave ladders and garden tools in your garden; lock them away in your shed.
• Have an intruder alarm system installed by an approved contractor. Ensure a visible alarm box is attached to the outside of your home. Also consider fitting security lighting.
• Use door chains and spy holes to give you extra security if someone knocks on your door. Never be afraid to turn people away. If you have concerns about anyone who has come to your door call the police.
• Record the details of your property such as serial numbers for electronic goods on the Immobilise website (https://www.immobilise.com/)