Burglary In Redditch

Police are appealing for witnesses for a burglary in Redditch.

It happened in Northleach Close in the early hours of Sunday 31 October.

The offenders entered through an insecure front door and stole a Samsung 37 inch flat screen TV worth £500, an Apple iphone mobile phone worth £300 and keys to a blue Ford Focus. The vehicle, worth £3,500, was stolen and later found abandoned between Winyates Way and Arley Close, but damage of £1,000 had been caused.

PC Richard Field said: "There have been a number of burglaries in the area when the offenders are getting in through insecure front doors. We believe they are trying front doors until they find one which is open.

"We are reminding householders to make sure their homes are secure at all times of day, especially when the keys to vehicles worth thousand of pounds can be stolen in a matter of minutes."

Police are encouraging residents to Lighten Up, Mark It Up as a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the chance of houses being burgled as when it is dark outside, unlit houses can be a target for thieves.

The advice includes:

• Use timer switches to turn lights on while you are out
• Low-energy or dusk to dawn sensor bulbs can be used to save energy and costs
• A low-energy light bulb costs less than 2p per day to run (if left on for four hours)
• Invest in external lighting

Property mark your valuables and then make the details viewable to the police by registering them on Immobilise – www.immobilise.com. Immobilise is a national website where you can register valuables such as mobile phones, iPods, bicycles, cameras and laptops for free and registering your property will improve your chances of getting it back of it is lost or stolen.

Further home security advice is available on the force website www.westmercia.police.uk.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the burglary are asked to call Redditch Police Station on 0300 333 3000 quoting 68-n-311010 or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

Issued:   Monday 1 November 2010