FAMILY LOSES CHRISTMAS GIFTS IN SERIES OF HOME RAIDS

POLICE are urging people across Swansea to take extra steps to keep their properties safe, following a string of burglaries that took place in the city over the weekend, where one family had all of their Christmas presents stolen.

Five properties in Morriston have been targeted since Friday.

A NUMBER of burglaries took place in Swansea over the weekend – including one where a family had all of their Christmas presents stolen.

Police are now urging residents across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot not be complacent and to take extra steps to keep their property safe.

Five properties in Morriston have been targeted in the area since Friday, with each of the burglaries believed to be linked.

During one of the burglaries, in Heol Rhosyn, which occurred between 2pm and 10pm on Friday, December 14, a family had all their presents stolen.

During the other burglaries, thieves helped themselves to jewellery and cash. Detective inspector Dave Peart, who is leading the investigation, said: “Every burglary is despicable, but to target families at this time of year, stealing Christmas presents as well as sentimental jewellery and belongings, is particularly heinous.

“We are determined to identify and bring those responsible to justice, but in the meantime, I would urge people to ensure they take every possible step to keep their homes and cars safe.

“As well as opportunist thieves who will strike if they see an unlocked door, valuables in plain sight or other obvious chances, we know many burglars operating in our area scope out addresses to know when they will be empty.

“I’d appeal to people to avoid advertising when their homes are likely to be empty by discussing upcoming holidays and days out on social media. When they are out or away, I’d urge them to take every precaution to keep their property safe, whether by installing security cameras or lights, leaving lights on or enlisting the help of a neighbour or a family member to make regular visits to the address.

“I’d also appeal to residents to look out for strange vehicles or people acting suspiciously in their neighbourhood – if something doesn’t seem right, please report it. “■ Anyone with any information about any of the burglaries, or who believes they may have been offered stolen goods for sale, should contact 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.