Extra police patrols after four burglaries over two weeks
SHOBNALL ROAD AND STREET AREA HAS BEEN HARDEST HIT IN SPATE OF BREAK-INS
SEVERAL homes in Burton have been ransacked by thieves in a spate of break-ins.
Officers are now stepping up patrols in the area to reassure the public after four break-ins over the past few weeks.
East Staffordshire Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) is urging residents to remain vigilant and ensure their homes are locked when left empty.
The advice comes after four homes were targeted over the course of a fortnight.
A number of high-value items were taken from a property in Shobnall Street some time after 2pm on Tuesday, April 27.
It is believed the offenders entered via a rear window before ransacking the property, stealing jewellery and an “electrical item”, police said.
The second incident occurred at a property in Shobnall Road some time over the Bank Holiday weekend – May 1 to 3 – and involved the offenders entering at the rear, before ransacking the property again. Items including cash and jewellery were stolen.
The third incident, which took place on Thursday, May 6, saw an attempted break-in at a property in Shobnall Street some time between 9.30am and 4pm. However, the thieves did not manage to get inside.
A further offence occurred on the same day, where a home in Mellor Road, Branston, was broken into some time before 5.30pm and an electrical item was stolen.
A 43-year-old man from Burton has been arrested in connection with this offence and has since been released under investigation.
Enquiries continue, including the assessment of CCTV.
Detective Constable Emma Francis from Staffordshire Police CID said: “We have made one arrest and the ongoing investigation of these incidents continues. The focus of those breaking into homes is to steal high value products, including jewellery and electronic equipment.
“We are reviewing CCTV evidence and ask for anyone with home security to check their system and provide any relevant information to Staffordshire Police.”
Chief Inspector Clair Langley from the East Staffordshire Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We fully understand the community impact of burglary in the home and we urge householders to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“I want to reassure the community that every effort is being made to bring offenders to justice.
“From a crime prevention perspective, I urge local people to ensure their homes are left secure when unoccupied and not to leave doors or windows open to provide an opportunist easy access.
“Local officers are conducting high visibility patrols in the area, to provide community reassurance and engage with local people.”
Anyone with any information should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident numbers 6 of 28 April, 529 of 3 May, 674 of 6 May and 685 of 6 May, call 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
I want to reassure the community that every effort is being made to bring the offenders to justice.
Chf Insp Clair Langley