E-fit Released Of Man Linked To 12 Burglaries In Droitwich

Do you recognise this man? West Mercia Police is releasing an e-fit of a man they wish to question about a series of burglaries in Droitwich that have occurs over the last six weeks.

Detectives are linking up to 12 break-ins that have occurred in the town since 1 September and as part of the ongoing Citadel initiative to tackle burglaries in dwellings, West Mercia Police has launched an operation in an attempt to stop the series.

The burglaries have mostly taken place in the residential areas between Ombersley Way and The Holloway and many of the homes were targeted when people have been away on holiday.

The description for the e-fit was given after a man was seen acting suspiciously near to where one of the burglaries took place. He was described as being white, in his 20s, approximately 6ft tall, of average build but overweight.

He had dark brown hair with short back and sides, and side burns. He was wearing a dark-coloured coat, a light-coloured open necked top and dark trousers.

Detective Inspector Richard Rees, who leads the team tackling burglaries in south Worcestershire, said: "Droitwich is generally a safe and peaceful place, but we have seen a significant increase in the number of burglaries in the town recently.

"We have launched an operation to combat the rise; those living in the affected area will have seen an increase in the number of patrols by officers and PCSOs.

"We are contacting local residents close to the burgled properties letting them know they are at a greater risk of being targeted themselves and advising them on how they can take steps to protect themselves.

"Also, my detectives are looking at the forensic evidence that links the burglaries, gathering intelligence from many sources and targeting known offenders in the area who we know handle stolen goods.

"If anyone recognises the man in the e-fit, we would like to hear from them. If you see someone in your neighbourhood resembling the image and behaving suspiciously, please call the police immediately on 999.

"A number of items were also recovered from the Droitwich Barge Canal yesterday and we are investigating if these are linked to any of the burglaries. I'd like to ask anyone who has seen anything suspicious along the canal in recent days to contact us on the non-emergency police number 101.

"The current series in the town has seen a lot of properties broken into while people are away on holiday. If you are due to go away, please take steps to protect your home in your absence."

Holiday security advice

A burglar may look for several signs that a home is empty:

• Curtains:  if you have a trusted neighbour you could ask them to look after your home while you are away; for example drawing curtains and
• Lights and sound: timer switches fitted to plugs can activate lights, radios etc at specific times.  (Ensure sound equipment is set to a volume that will not disturb neighbours!)
• Milk, mail and newspapers: cancel orders while you are away. The Royal Mail's 'Keepsafe' service can hold your mail for up to two months.
• Uncut grass: if you plan to be away from your home for a while, mow the lawn before you leave.
• Consider storing valuable items from your shed in the house. You may want to leave important documents, jewellery and other high value items with a family member or a friend.

If you would like further information, please visit the Advice Centre at http://www.westmercia.police.uk/ or call West Mercia Police on 101.

The dates and locations of the burglaries were:

• 1 to 4 September, Addenbrooke Road, jewellery stolen;
• 6 to 12 September, Moreland Road, jewellery stolen;
• 7 September, Bainbrigge Avenue; jewellery and watches stolen as well a BMW, which was later recovered in the West Midlands.
• 18 September, Tagwell Road, jewellery stolen;
• 19 September, Old Coach Road, jewellery stolen;
• 22 to 23 September, Alexander Avenue, jewellery, cash, watches, sunglasses and a mobile phone stolen;
• 1 October, St Peter's Walk, mobile phone, jewellery and cash stolen;
• 4 to 6 October, Ombersley Street West, entry gained but nothing stolen - the offender may have been disturbed.
• 8 October, Old Coach Road, jewellery stolen;
• 11 October, The Holloway, cash, a purse and CDs stolen;
• 12 October, Moreland Road, jewellery, a laptop, a tablet PC, cash and jewellery stolen;
• 12 to 13 October, Clee View, laptop stolen.

Issued:  Tuesday 16 October 2012