Thugs target six properties in one day in Gosport burglary spree

Police are investigating after the thugs struck six times in Gosport yesterday '“ targeting two properties on Peel Road. 

The first report came in the early afternoon after tools were used to force open the back door of a property on Grove Avenue, between 1pm and 2.30pm. 

Officers said it is not known what was taken, but the items used to gain entry are thought to have been stolen from the shed of a neighbouring property. 

About half-a-mile away, on Wednesday, jewellery was stolen from a flat in Pavilion Way after burglars smashed one of the property's windows to get in. 

Later came two more reports, from Peel Road, which saw the theft of a range of luxury items. 

During the day a Mulberry bag and jewellery were taken from one property '“ which thieves accessed via a back window '“ before clothing including a navy North Face jacket was stolen from another. 

Access to this property was also gained via a back window. 

Police believe all four incidents are linked and are now investigating and launching a public appeal. 

Hampshire Constabulary has also confirmed members of its Neighbourhood Policing Team will be patrolling the Gosport area. 

The incidents follow a spate of burglaries in the Gosport area recently, including the theft of a charity box and an attempted break-in in the early hours of the same day.

Anyone with information on the burglaries should contact staff investigator Catherine Cole, at Fratton Police Station, by calling 101 and quoting the crime reference number 44180401068. 

Alternatively, you call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

Police advice

In light of the burglaries, police have issued information to residents in a bid to reduce similar incidents in the future. This is as follows:

- Shut all windows and lock them when you are not using the room, at night, and when you leave your property

- Lock all front and rear doors at night and when you are out. If you have a UPVC door with a multi-point lock ensure you lift the handle and lock it with the key

- Put all car keys and other keys out of sight and not in reach of windows and letterboxes. It doesn't take much for the keys to be hooked through the letterbox

- Leave a light on so your home looks occupied if you are going out for the evening. If you head out while it is still daylight and won't be back till after dark then a timer switch (available from most DIY stores) can be useful in turning your lights, radios and other appliances on at a set time before you get back

- Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property

- Do not leave ladders and garden tools in your garden; lock them away in your shed

- Have an intruder alarm system installed by an approved contractor. Ensure a visible alarm box is attached to the outside of your home. Also consider fitting security lighting

- Use door chains and spy holes to give you extra security if someone knocks on your door. Never be afraid to turn people away. If you have concerns about anyone who has come to your door call the police

- Record the details of your property such as serial numbers for electronic goods on the Immobilise website (immobilise.com)