Burglary arrests in Gloucester as annual winter campaign starts

Burglars in Gloucester are feeling the long arm of the law as the annual Operation Switch anti-burglary campaign runs across the county.

Since the beginning of the campaign, which started last week, a number of arrests have already been made by officers in the city.

Two men, aged 43 and 48 and both from Gloucester, were arrested on suspicion of burglary last Wednesday (1 November), in relation to the theft of a car from an elderly resident in Matson. They have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

A 22-year-old man from Gloucester was also arrested on Monday (6 November) on suspicion of burglary. He has since been released on bail.

His arrest follows the theft of 18 laptops and a safe from an address on Spa Road between 10 and 12 October.

Officers would now like to speak to anybody who has been offered a laptop for sale which they believe may have been stolen.

In addition to the arrests, Ondrej Mizer, aged 27 and of Alma Place, has been charged with three counts of burglary. He has been remanded in custody pending his next court appearance.

Sergeant Tom Francis from the Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “As the darker nights hit, we’re once again seeing a slight increase in the number of burglaries.

“Not only are thefts on the rise, but the burglars need to find a way of disposing of their ill-gotten gains.

“If anyone is offered an item for sale which seems too good to be true, chances are it probably is. If you have any concerns about the authenticity of the seller and the items they are offering, you can report it to us or through Crimestoppers.”

Operation Switch, which has been running since 27 October, aims to help residents better protect their homes during the darker nights.

The campaign is being run across the county and police encourage the public to look at installing a 'WIDE' combination of security devices as they can provide 49 times more protection against residential burglary with entry compared to having no devices installed.

More information on Operation Switch and ways to help protect your home can be found here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/police-forces/gloucestershire-constabulary/areas/gloucestershire/campaigns/burglary/

You can report crimes anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.