Reminder To Secure Home After Burglary In Kidderminster

Police are reminding residents to ensure doors and windows are secure after a burglary in Kidderminster at the weekend.

It happened between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday, 4 February, in Comberton Avenue.

The owners were in the garden, which is at the side of the house, and had left the back door and side gate unlocked. While they were busy in the garden a handbag was taken which was in a room at the back of the house.

The tan leather handbag contained several debit and credit cards, a cheque book, a blue leather purse with a small amount of cash inside, a make-up bag and a blue leather iPhone case.

PC Adrian Bartlett said: "We are eager to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the Comberton Avenue area on Saturday afternoon.

"This appears to have been an opportunist burglar who managed to sneak in when no-one was looking. It was snowing that afternoon and someone walking about in the cold weather may have stood out to anyone driving past.

"The victim was telephoned by her bank the following day (Sunday, 5 February) as the offender had tried and failed to use one of her cards at a cashpoint in Oxford Street, Kidderminster, at about 7am that morning. We would therefore also like to hear from anyone who remembers seeing someone using a cashpoint in Oxford Street early on Sunday morning."

Police are reminding residents to ensure their home is secure at all times. This can include keeping side gates locked to stop access to the rear of a property or keeping the front door locked even when you are in the house. It only takes a few moments for an opportunist thief to open a door and take someone's valuables.

They are also reminded to keep items such as keys or handbags somewhere safe, and not near a door or window where they could be easily reached.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact PC Bartlett on 0300 333 3000, quoting reference 338-S-060212, or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Issued: Wednesday, 8 February 2012