Police in the Cotswolds issue warning after series of burglaries in the area

Police are investigating a series of burglaries in the Cotswolds last week and are asking people to report suspicious activity after three break-ins were reported in and around the Cirencester area last Wednesday evening (5 February).

A property in Northleach was also broken into between 5pm and 7pm that evening. Offenders smashed a rear patio door before taking high-value watches, jewellery and a bag.

In a further incident, it was reported that offenders had forced entry to a property in The Beeches area of Cirencester.

The occupants returned home to find their back patio doors had been smashed and their property had been searched. 

Officers received another report of a burglary in Stratton just before 8pm.

The occupants of the house had returned home to find someone had gained entry to their property through the back doors sometime between 6.50pm and 7.45pm and had searched the house.

The final incident was reported to have taken place in Poulton near Cirencester at around 8.45pm. Again, offenders gained entry to the property by smashing rear patio doors before ransacking the house and taking high-value watches.

Enquiries into the incidents are ongoing and officers are keen to hear from anyone who has not already spoken to police and who may have CCTV or dashcam footage which could assist the ongoing investigations. 

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

Anyone with footage or information can provide this to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 457 of 5 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.

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/