Burglar alert
HOMES THROUGHOUT SCARBOROUGH HIT BY RAIDERS
Police in Scarborough are warning people to be on their guard after a series of burglaries across the whole town.
Over a 10- day period, from February 17 to 27, there were break ins in 20 different streets.
These included 11 homes, four sheds, a garage and four business premises – one of which was a Saint Catherine’s Hospice charity shop.
Stuart Illingworth, shop support manager at the Saint Catherine’s Hospice shop in Ramshill Road, said: “It was very disappointing and upsetting for staff and for the volunteers who work really hard.
“When the volunteers came in that morning there
was blood and glass on the floor.
“The shop was closed until 2pm that day so we lost four hours of trading.”
Mr Illingworth added that during the break-in, the donation box was taken from the counter along with some coins, plus personal items belonging to the shop manager.
Also targeted were L’Amour bar in Westborough and the Golden Last in Eastborough.
Police say that they are opportunist thieves and will take advantage of insecure windows and doors.
A particular target has been high-value bikes. Officers have carried out a leaflet drop in the town centre, Stepney, Scalby, Barrowcliff and Newby following a trend in break-ins and attempted break-ins in these areas.
PC Mike Tinsley, Neighbourhood Beat Manager, said: “Our message is simple – keep your valuables safe and make your home secure.
“This ranges from improvements in home security, for example, a good quality lock on a garden shed, to securing windows and doors.
“Always lock your doors, even when you are at home and don’t leave tempting valuables on view. We are also encouraging the public to report anyone who looks suspicious or out of place in their area. And to help us reunite you with any recovered items in the unfortunate event of them being stolen, be sure to make a note of expensive things you own, such as make, model, serial numbers, and take some photos.
“The Community Impact Team have ways of permanently marking your property to make it identifiable and this is free of charge – ideal for expensive bikes, we can also provide security advice and tips on keeping your possessions safe. You can also receive alerts about crime and incidents in your area by signing up to Community Messaging.
“It’s a free service all you have to do is visit the website northyorkshirecommunitymessaging.org and sign up.”
To speak to the police about this or any other crime concerns, call 101. In an emergency always call 999.