Astwood Bank Burglary Investigation Ends After Rare Watch Found

West Mercia Police would like to reassure residents of Astwood Bank that a burglary reported on the outskirts of the village did not occur.

On Tuesday 25 September, a man called at a property in Edgioake Lane asking if they had any antiques or other items to sell and after he had left, the homeowners believed a Rolex Tudor watch worth thousands of pounds had been stolen and reported the incident to the police.

However, they have since found the missing watch and the burglary has been ‘de-crimed'.

A man from Munderfield, near Bromyard, who was arrested on Wednesday 26 September on suspicion of burglary in relation to the incident, has now been released from police bail without charge.

However, detectives continue to investigate reports from across Worcestershire and Herefordshire of a suspicious man calling at people's homes claiming to want buy unwanted items.

He is described as being white, between 65 and 80 years old, short, of medium build and had short, light hair. He is thought to drive a white car-derived van.

Detective Constable Jamie Simon said: "It's good news that the watch has turned up and a burglary has not taken place after all.

"However, we continue to investigate intelligence we have on a suspicious caller and I would like to know if he has called at other properties in Worcestershire and Herefordshire asking if they had any antiques or other old property that may be unwanted and available to buy.

"If you have any suspicions about an unusual caller at your home, please contact West Mercia Police."

DC Simon can be contacted at Worcester CID via the non-emergency police number 101 or information can be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote the reference number 167N 25/09/12.

Issued: Thursday 11 October 2012