November 2017
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13
Police
In Brief
Bradley Stoke home targeted in series of burglaries within hours on same day
Preventing a repeat of winter burglary spate
P
olice are appealing for information after items of gold jewellery were stolen during a burglary at a property in Bradley Stoke on Monday 2nd October. The incident was one of four break-ins which occurred within hours of each other across north and west Bristol on the same day. The Bradley Stoke burglary happened at a property in the Three Brooks Lane area (near Meadowbrook School) between 8.45am and 12.45pm. The thieves scaled a six-foot garden fence to break in and steal gold jewellery, including a diamond bangle (pictured), as well as cash in Indian rupees and a small goldplated statue of Ganesha. Subsequent break-ins on the same day occurred at properties in Filton, between 12.55pm and 1.45pm (two gold bangles and
a laptop stolen); Westbury-onTrym, between 1.40pm and 2.50pm; and Shirehampton, between 3pm and 3.40pm (gold jewellery stolen). Officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries in each of the areas affected. Forensic investigations have taken place at each property and home security advice has been offered. Police say they’re keen to trace two men who were seen getting into a white car in Westburyon-Trym at around 2.30pm. One wore a white hoodie and dark-coloured trousers, while the second wore a dark-coloured hoodie and baseball cap.
Anyone with any information which could help is asked to get in touch online, or by calling 101. Alternatively, ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call. You could even qualify for a reward and still remain anonymous. Following a number of incidents in which entire safes have been stolen, police now advise keeping high-value jewellery with a secure storage company and cash in the bank, rather than at home. A police spokesperson said: “Remember, if you see someone acting suspiciously around a neighbour’s property, call the police straight away. If they’re obviously breaking in, ring 999; otherwise, call the nonemergency number 101. Our operators are on hand 24/7.”
Mindful of the unprecedented number of burglaries (16) which occurred in Bradley Stoke last November, town councillor Tom Aditya has requested that local police step up high-visibility patrols, deploy unmarked cars and ramp up intelligence work to combat organised burglary gangs. In an open letter written jointly with local resident Dr Hemanth Balehithlu, organiser of a public meeting held in January to discuss last winter’s spate of high-value gold burglaries in north Bristol, Cllr Aditya goes on to urge the public to be vigilant and report any unusual activities in their neighbourhoods. Cllr Aditya points out that, contrary to popular opinion, most burglaries occur during the day, when people are out at work. He advises all homeowners to review their security measures and avoid leaving obvious signs that their property is unoccupied.
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