Kentish Express Ashford & District
Burglars found in two homes on the same day
Police ‘keeping open mind’ as to whether raids are connected
A topless intruder fled emptyhanded when he was caught in a Kennington kitchen during an attempted burglary.
The bare-chested man was caught in the house in Bockhanger Lane between 11.30pm and 11.45pm on Sunday before the residents challenged him and he ran out the front door emptyhanded.
The attempted burglary took place just hours after a similar incident in Park Road North, where an offender was found in the kitchen of a ground-floor flat.
The occupant discovered the man in his house between 4.55am and 5.05am the same day, but the intruder stole cash and climbed out of an open window.
DC Chris Brett said: “At the moment we are keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents are linked and are keen to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the two areas at the relevant times.”
The offender in the first bur- glary in Park Road North is described as wearing a darkcoloured parka-style coat with a fake fur hood trim and dark-coloured slim-leg trousers.
The offender in the second burglary, at Bockhanger Lane, is described as a white male, aged between 35 and 40, about 5ft 8in and of stocky build with short, black curly hair.
He was bare-chested and was wearing dark-coloured tracksuit bottoms.
DC Brett said: “In both cases we believe that the intruders may have gained access through insecure doors or windows.
“Check doors and windows are locked – even in hot weather – and that you have working security lights.
“Use timers to turn interior lights or a radio on and off and light up your dark or hidden entrances.
“We also advise people to register all valuable items. Logging details helps us return the items to you if we find or seize them.”
To register your valuable items visit www.immobilise.com
If you have any information about the incidents please phone police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 quoting reference ZY/22333/16 or ZY/22216/16.
‘Check doors and windows are locked and that you have working security lights’