Current timestamp: 29/01/2023 18:27:50
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal ActivityLoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitterTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

Thanks for trying the 'beta' version of our new website. It's a work in progress, we'll be adding new services over the next few weeks, so please take a look and tell us what you think.

Get started

staffordshire-police-logo

Search this website

Main navigation menu

  • Report

    Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Road traffic incident
    • Report antisocial behaviour
    • Missing person
    • Fraud, bribery or corruption
    • Civil disputes
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
  • Tell us about

    Back to Tell us about

    • Tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • How to tell us about something you've seen or heard
    • An existing case or report
    • A procession or event you are planning
    • Filming
    • Abnormal vehicle load
  • Apply or register

    Back to Apply or register

    • Careers
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
    • Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
  • Request

    Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Intellectual property (IP) licence
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
  • Thanks and complaints

    Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Complaints
    • Say thanks
    • Feedback about the website
  • Your area

Breadcrumb

  1. ...
  2. News

Reminder to lock doors after spate of burglaries while people were in their gardens or out shopping

Main article content

Navigation

News

10:02 19/05/2021

Officers are warning people to ensure their properties are secure after four burglaries where people have entered via an unlocked door occurred in a matter of hours.

The incidents, in Coppenhall and Bradley, both near Stafford, Codsall, and Kingsley Holt, near Cheadle, all happened yesterday (Tuesday 18 May) afternoon.

The first was on Church Lane in Coppenhall at about 12.30pm. The victim, an elderly woman, was approached while working in her garden by a man wearing a high-vis jacket. He spoke to her about apparent roadworks happening in the area and the need for her to move her car due to lorries passing. While this happened, a second offender entered her property via an unsecured door and stole cash and jewellery.

The first man was described as white, aged between 30 and 40, about 5ft 9in tall and of stocky build. He was wearing dark trousers, a black bobble hat and a high-vis vest. Witnesses have described seeing a white or cream car nearby used by a man wearing high-vis and travelling with two other males.

The second incident was at about 1pm on Shredicote Lane in Bradley. A woman had left a door to her property unsecured while working in her garden. An unknown number of offenders have entered, conducted an untidy search and stolen bank cards and keys.

Between 1pm and 3pm, on Wood Road in Codsall, a third incident occurred. Here, an elderly woman left a door to her property unsecured while out shopping. An unknown number of offenders have entered, conducted an untidy search and stolen jewellery.

And at about 2pm on Churnet Valley Road in Kingsley Holt, an elderly woman left a door to her property unsecured while mowing her lawns. An offender has entered the house and stolen her handbag which contained her bank cards and cash.

Chief Inspector Giles Parsons, Staffordshire Police’s force lead for burglaries from residential properties, said: “These incidents seem to be mainly elderly females leaving their doors insecure, and if they do encounter the offender they have been distracted by them to allow others to enter the house.

“Cash, bank cards and jewellery have been stolen from these people, in what can only be described as despicable crimes.

“We would urge everyone to please ensure entrances to their properties are secure at all times to deter criminals who chance their hand and try doors to see if there is a way in.

“If an offender is confronted and claims to be from an organisation, always ask to see identification. If you are ever suspicious or have any doubts please do not let people into your property.

“To report any suspicious incidents such as this please message the force on social media or call 101 to pass on the details. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

To prevent yourself from falling victim to these criminals we are re-issuing the following advice to all residents:

  • Make sure your front and back doors are locked at all times – even when you’re at home. If you’re answering the front door then make extra sure your back door is locked – as criminals could be working in pairs or groups.
  • Before you answer the door it’s worth taking a second to think about whether you’re expecting anyone – if you can see who’s there before answering make sure you do.
  • If you have a chain on your door – use it. Don’t remove it unless you’re absolutely certain that person is genuine.
  • Tighten up security – focus on improving the protection given by doors, windows and fences to make it harder for anyone trying to break in.
  • Keep all valuable items out of sight and, if possible, in a safe – if anyone does manage to get in safely stored items will make it much harder for them to find and take.

If anybody was in the area of these incidents at the times stated above and saw or heard anything suspicious, they are asked to message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 285, 310, 390 and 415 of 18 May, call 101 or alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For more advice on protecting your home and making it secure, visit www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/

Share

Is there a problem with this page?

Footer navigation

We use cookies on this site to give you a better, more personalised experience.

I'm fine with cookies I'd like to manage the cookies

Staffordshire Police

  • Contact us
  • News
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Campaigns
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookies
  • Terms and conditions
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention
  • Stats and data
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Thanks and complaints

Partners

  • Police.uk
  • Ask the Police
  • Police and Crime Commissioner

Follow us on:

© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.