Plea for vigilance after spate of thefts
A SPATE of thefts and burglaries in Runcorn over the last month has sparked an appeal and pleas for vigilance from police.
Cheshire police said crooks entered a taxi on Lodge Lane in Halton Village overnight on Monday, June 19, and stole valuables including cash.
PC Zoe Bowden said there was no CCTV of the incident and no witnesses have come forward.
Although a crime scene investigation (CSI) team was requested, PC Bowden said the owner had used the vehicle, rendering any forensic evidence lost.
Overnight on SundayMonday, June 24-25, a motorbike was stolen from a bike shed near Castlefields Village Square.
The investigation is reported to be in its early stages.
Over in Sandymoor, crooks swiped a blue Carrera mountain bike from a property on Biggleswade Drive overnight on June 12.
Cash and a bottle of aftershave were taken from a vehicle on Actons Wood Lane nearby.
Preston Brook and Preston On The Hill residents experienced two shed-burglaries overnight on June 8.
The crooks made off with items including a petrol strimmer, hedge trimmer and chainsaw.
No residents have reported seeing the offenders.
In Palacefields, thieves stole a satnav left on display in car left unattended for a short time on The Knoll in Palacefields during the early hours of Sunday, June 4.
The thief had smashed the driver’s window to gain entry.
Crooks struck on Shepherds Row in Castlefields on Thursday, June 8.
The keys were not taken and the steering lock was on.
There was no CCTV and no witnesses have come forward.
Police have since issued security advice.
PC Bowden said: “Lock and secure your outbuildings, don’t give thieves the chance.
“Ensure your vehicles are locked and preferably left in well-lit areas.
“In regards to motorcycle thefts please ensure they are locked to ground locks if possible.
“Store any valuable equipment and tools in a secure building with a well-built, locked door.
“Use British Standard locks, good quality locking bars and high security padlocks.
“Windows can be protected with metal bars.
“Always lock outbuildings when they’re not in use.
“A worthwhile investment is fitting outside security lights controlled by an automatic time-switch or infrared beams.
“Consider CCTV.
“Ensure vehicles are left untouched before CSI arrive to preserve any evidence.”
Anyone with information about the incidents should call Cheshire police on 101 quoting the following incident numbers where available or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111: Lodge Lane taxi, 326 of June 20; Village Square motorbike, 119 of June 26; Sandymoor mountain bike and theft from vehicle, incident 675 of June 13; Shepherds Row motorbike, 806 of June 8. installing ●