High Value Burglaries In Bromsgrove District

Police are appealing for witnesses after thousands of pounds worth of jewellery was taken in separate burglaries in Bromsgrove district.

The first one happened at a ground floor flat in Windsor Gardens, Bromsgrove, between 9am on Wednesday 23 November and 6.30pm on Friday 25 November.

Entry was gained through a window and ttems stolen included a 18 carat gold men's dress watch worth £3,000, an 18 carat gold gents bracelet set with diamonds worth £3,000, an 18 carat gold men's bracelet worth £2,000, and two men's dress rings each set with 8 to 10 diamonds, worth £1,500 each.

The second happened at a semi-detached house in Bittell Road, Barnt Green between 9am on Friday 25 November and 5pm on Sunday 27 November.

A rear window had been forced, causing £300 damage.

Items stolen included a Pentax digital camera worth £300, an 18 carat thick gold chain which was handmade in Australia and worth £1,200, an 18 carat thin gold chain with a gold pendant which was handmade in Australia and worth £500, a 9 carat rose gold Edwardian thick chain worth £600, three silver lockets worth a total of £300, a 24 carat gold bracelet worth £500, an 18 carat gold bracelet with good luck symbols on it worth £400, an emerald ring containing four emeralds in a nine carat gold setting worth £450, and two silver filigree brooches worth a total of £400.

Also stolen were a nine carat thick gold chain, a silver filigree pendant, a silver bangle, a silver charm bracelet, a nine carat gold wedding ring, a diamond solitaire, and a silver marcasite ring (we do not have values for these items).

West Mercia Police's Crime Prevention Advisor for Worcestershire, Mr Peter Aston, said: "Most burglaries are carried out by opportunistic offenders and it is essential to close and preferably lock accessible windows overnight or when no-one is in the room.

"Householders are also reminded to take measures to prevent access to the rear of their homes by locking side gates. And good lighting can deter burglars, especially at this time of year when darkness is falling as early as 4pm.

"While jewellery is not suitable for security marking, it is a good idea to take photos of such items and record descriptions as if the property is stolen this information will help the police recover it and prove ownership."

More home security advice is available at www.westmercia.police.uk

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000 quoting incident 571-s-251111 for the Windsor Gardens burglary or 504-s-271111 for the Bittle Road burglary, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Issued: Monday, 28 November 2011