POLICE patrols have been stepped up in Droitwich as the number of burglaries and thefts from cars has soared in the last month.
A total of 29 burglaries, from homes, sheds and garages and 24 thefts from cars in the last 30 days, has led to a higher round-the-clock police presence.
North and South Worcestershire Police teams, along with operational policing units, have been working together in a bid to clamp down on the incidents.
Among the thousands of pounds worth of items taken have been tools, garden equipment and bicycles, as well as TomToms, phones and designer sunglasses.
PC Paul Cound, from the Droitwich Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), said they were doing all they could to address the issue.
He added officers in Worcester had also made an arrest inconnection with one of the burglaries.
“Burglaries and thefts are very distressing and upsetting for victims and these crimes are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by West Mercia Police,” said PC Cound.
“We are urging the local community to be vigilant and to follow our home and garden security advice.”
He added it was also very important to ensure all doors and windows were closed and locked and to not be tempted to leave them open in the hot weather before leaving the house or going to bed at night.
PC Cound said people also needed to make sure they had substantial locks fitted onto outbuildings and secured garden tools and ladders by wrapping a substantial chain around them and padlocking them to an eyebolt, which has been secured to the floor or wall.
“This will significantly help to deter burglars,” he added,
Det Insp Stuart Murphy, from the Droitwich burglary team, reiterated PC Cound’s advice and asked everybody to stop and review their household security and learn a lesson from the recent victims.
He added: “Unfortunately people leave windows and doors open and unlocked and this gives burglars the opportunity to break into your house and steal your personal and often sentiments items.”
“Burglars are opportunists and unfortunately they do strike at random and anyone can be a targeted.
“Tell your neighbours if you trust them or get a family member to check on your property and think about getting a timer so your lights come on at different times in the evening – they are a very inexpensive way to deter burglars.”
For more on the individual crimes and the police appeals, turn to page three.
Anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
