|
Police investigating 7
high value gold burglaries
MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives have
stepped up activity to investigate a number of burglaries and attempted
burglaries across the region, which are believed to be linked. There have
been 7 incidents in Merseyside, at various locations, in which all victims
were members of the Asian community. Officers are investigating
incidents that took place between 8 January and 27 February 2016, in Woolton,
Sutton Heath, Thatto Heath, Upton and Eccleston. On 6 occasions offenders
have entered homes and 7 large quantities of high value, distinctive Asian
jewellery. Merseyside Chief Superintendent Louise Harrison
said:- "Burglary is a very personal crime and understandably the
victims have been left distressed by these incidents, with high value and
often very sentimental pieces of jewellery being stolen. We are carrying out
extensive enquiries and taking a coordinated approach to investigate them;
we are examining CCTV, and making house to house enquiries as well as
carrying out forensic examinations of all of the scenes, to trace those
responsible. We are also working closely with members of the Asian
community; Officers from the force's Community Engagement team have been
liaising with community leaders and this week have visited a number of
community centres across Merseyside to speak with members of the community
and to provide crime prevention and security advice. A leaflet around crime
prevention advice has also been made available to the community and each of
the force's Area Commanders has been notified about these incidents, so
patrols and high visibility Policing has been increased where necessary.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their own homes and I
would ask anyone with any knowledge of these incidents to think about how
they would feel if this was their home and their items? It is rare that
people from this community have been targeted in this way and it is
important that these offenders are brought to justice. Any information about
these incidents could be vital to our investigation and I would urge anyone
with any information to get in contact."
Officers would urge anybody with any information about these incident to
contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.
Crime Prevention Advice:-
► If you have UPVC doors make sure you lock them properly. If you simply
lift the handle you won't fully engage all the locks into the frame. You
should always secure the door by lifting the handle to activate the bolts
and ensuring the key is turned, as the latch itself will not provide
adequate security. Remember to remove the key from the door once it is
locked and leave it in a close and easily accessible place in case of
emergency. Your insurance could be negated if you fail to secure your
property correctly.
► Residents should also consider fitting an intruder alarm and internal
locks, fitted to rear kitchen and living room doors, will help prevent a
burglar gaining access to the rest of the house.
► Remember that an alarm system requires regular
maintenance. 1 of the main reasons for false alarm activations is due to
worn out batteries.
► Consider the installation of security lighting; this could be simple
Passive Infra Red (PIR) operated or dusk till dawn lights, which can now be
fitted with cost efficient energy saving bulbs.
► On entering the house lock the front door behind you.
► Never leave your car keys near a door or window. Criminals can hook keys
through open windows and letterboxes. It is therefore vital that
householders hide the keys from view. People have keys stolen without anyone
even entering the premises.
► Do not leave car keys in an obvious place; make it as hard as possible for
the thief.
► If you are threatened with violence for your car keys the best thing to do
is to hand them over. Do not put yourself at risk.
► Special letter box cowlings are available; they allow your papers and post
to be delivered, but stops the 'hook and canes' fishing.
► Always lock your windows and doors. If you haven't got windows locks, you
are advised to get window locks fitted. If
you have window locks, use them!
► Always check your front and back door are secure even if you are in.
► Secure your shed and garage properly. Don't leave tools lying around.
► Security mark all your jewellery items, using a forensic marking kit. Also
mark your home and garden equipment with full postcode using a UV marker pen
or permanent marker. This can help make it easier for victims to be reunited
with your property if you are the victim of a burglary and the items are
recovered.
► When going on holiday make sure milk deliveries are cancelled, post is
collected and if possible get friends or family to check on your property.
In addition, there is lots of crime prevention advice on our
website.
If you have any information about
burglaries or to speak to an officer please call:- 101 or Crimestoppers,
anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.
|
