REDDITCH residents are being warned to be on their guard after spates of burglaries in the borough.
Thousands of pounds worth of Asian gold was stolen in two burglaries in the Batchley and Central area on Saturday (December 13) which are currently under investigation.
The first burglary was on Oakly Road at around 9pm where a high value amount of gold was taken. A witness reported three people all dressed in black clothing wearing balaclavas leaving the property.
Burglars also struck at Parsons Road the same evening between 2pm and 11pm where thousands of pounds worth of Indian jewellery was stolen, as well as cash.
Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour at these locations on Saturday is urged to get in touch with Redditch CID quoting log 450i of 13 December for the Oakly Road burglary or 518i of 13 December for the Parsons Road burglary via email at [email protected]
Burglars know that often – at this time of year – properties contain high value gifts people have bought for Christmas presents or extra cash.
Home security advice
Police have issued advice to residents to help them keep their homes safe over the festive season.
Officers advise that boundaries are secured and say front fences should not be higher than a metre to prevent thieves from having places to hide.
Certified locks should be put on doors and windows. People should consider installing alarms and CCTV. These systems can be linked to people’s smartphones and can alert homeowners if intruders are approaching their properties.
Outside (security) lights which are activated by sensors can deter thieves.
People should avoid ‘advertising’ their valuables by disposing of all boxes for expensive items, such as TVs and laptops before bins are collected.
Property marking – for example with UV solutions or SmartWater – should be done for high value items.
Outbuildings should be secured and tools removed or locked away as thieves can use these to gain access to properties.
Anyone going away should inform their neighbours so they can look out for any suspicious activity.
Residents need to understand burglars are often opportunistic, targeting easy entry points or return visits if home security is not as good as it can be.
People should review their home security arrangements regularly.
Visit: westmercia.police.uk and: wedontbuycrime.co.uk for more security advice.
