POLICE WARNING AS BURGLARS TARGET HOMES IN GEMS RAIDS

Intruders stole more than £100k in jewellery and cash and a van and tools worth £15k

DETECTIVES are investigating a number of burglaries across the county - including one in North Staffordshire where more than £100,000 in jewellery and cash was taken.

And officers say they have seen a rise in thefts around jewellery with rural properties in particular being targeted. Since April 18 there have been seven incidents across homes in Newcastle, Stafford and South Cheshire.

Detectives say offenders are forcing there way in and rummaging through the property on the hunt for cash, jewellery and safes.

In one incident near Porthill more than £100,000 in jewellery and cash was taken along with a white Mercedes Vito van and £15,000 in tools.

On that occasion offenders struck around 8.20pm on April 26 where they forced there way inside and made off in the stolen van.

The force say thieves also seem to be targeting rural properties with ‘limited CCTV coverage’.

Detective Inspector Peter Cooke, of CID North, said: “We are actively investigating these circumstances and would ask anyone to come forward if they saw anything suspicious, including individuals, vehicles or activity in these areas at the time of the incidents.

“Residents are reminded to ensure entrances and access points to their properties are always secured – even if you are in the house in daylight hours.

“Opportunistic criminals may chance their hand and try doors and windows to see if they are unsecured.”

“Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident 737 of April 26.

“Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”