Police issue advice after spate of burglaries

Detectives are urging residents to be vigilant as they investigate a spate of burglaries in the south of the county.

There has been three incidents reported between Wednesday (27 April) and Thursday (28 April) in Codsall, Wheaton Aston and Gnosall.

The first burglary took place sometime between 12.45pm and 6.15pm on Wednesday (27 April). The offenders forced entry to the property on Kiddemore Green Road, in Codsall, through a rear door and carried out an untidy search whilst the occupants were out. No items of value were taken.

Later the same day, at approximately 6.30pm, two men broke into the home of a woman in her 80s, on Fenton House Lane, near to Marston Road, in Wheaton Aston. Thankfully, the woman was not harmed and nothing was stolen.

A third report was received just after 9am yesterday (28 April) of a break-in at an address on Knightley Road, in Gnosall. Sometime overnight, offenders had forced entry through a patio door and carried out an untidy search of the property. At this time it is not clear what may have been stolen and the occupants were not home at the time.

Patrols have been stepped up in the areas, and door-to-door and CCTV inquiries are taking place, alongside forensic examinations. Detectives are investigating the possibility that the three incidents are linked.

Detective Inspector Pete Goodwin, of CID South at Staffordshire Police, said: “We are appealing for anyone to come forward if they saw anything suspicious, including individuals, vehicles or activity in these areas at the time of the incidents. We are specifically interested in the movement of a white VW Golf within the time frame.

“I am also appealing for anyone with CCTV, smart doorbell or dashcam footage of the relevant areas to come forward.

“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 and gates 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.”

Police are re-issuing the following crime prevention 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.

Anyone with any information should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 806 of 27 April, call 101 or alternatively contact 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/