Police appeal for information after spate of burglaries in Cheltenham

Police in Cheltenham are urging people to report any suspicious activity after a series of burglaries from garages and sheds in the town on Tuesday night (11 February).

Four break-ins were reported as taking place overnight in the Pittville area of the town.

Three of the thefts took place on East Approach Drive with a fourth taking place on Broad Acre Road.

Five bikes were taken across the four incidents, while a number of suspected stolen items were also found discarded in the area.

Officers believe that the thefts are linked, but are not connecting them with a series that took place in the Cotswolds last week.

CCTV footage showed three people wearing balaclavas and hooded tops approaching one of the houses from the direction of Pittville Park.

Locks were broken in all the thefts and it is believed that the group may have been using a crowbar to gain access.

Officers have reviewed CCTV footage and have conducted house-to-house enquiries. They are now appealing for anyone with information about the burglaries who has not already spoken to police, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage which could assist the investigations, to get in touch.

Details can be provide to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 51 of 12 February: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Call 999 if a crime is happening at the time, a suspect is nearby, if someone is in immediate danger or there is a risk of serious damage to a property.

Police are asking people to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, such as people scoping out properties by driving past slowly in vehicles.

Officers would like to remind residents of the protective measures that can be taken to help ensure homes and outbuildings are as safe as possible.

Homeowners are advised to install a 'WIDE' combination of security devices to help protect your home, shed or garage from burglary as well as ensuring that back gates are secure.

A 'WIDE' combination includes:

• Window locks
• Indoor lights on timer switches
• Double door locks or deadbolts
• External lights on a sensor

Officers also advise:

• Storing your key fob and any spares inside a car key signal blocker pouch such as a faraday pouch or box.
• Storing your car keys away from the front or back door.
• Ensuring high value goods are not visible from outside.

More information on ways to protect your home can be found by visiting: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/police-forces/gloucestershire-constabulary/areas/gloucestershire/campaigns/burglary/