Appeal for witnesses following series of burglaries in Bishops Cleeve and Southam

Officers are appealing for witnesses following a series of burglaries in Bishops Cleeve and Southam over recent days.

Four burglaries were reported overnight on Tuesday into Wednesday where victims reported that unknown offenders had gained access to their homes.

One incident in Southam saw offenders search the property before stealing a wallet, the spare keys to a car and cigarettes. This is believed to have happened between 10pm on Tuesday and 5.15am on Wednesday.

Another incident on Pagets Road in Bishops Cleeve saw offenders gain entry sometime prior to 11pm on Tuesday before stealing a safe and television.

A burglary on Harpfield Road took place overnight where offenders forced entry before stealing a grey Skoda Octavia with the registration BP68 NUA, as well as the keys to another car.

The Skoda is yet to be located and anyone who has seen it is asked to call 101 quoting incident 51 of 4 October.

Another burglary took place on Read Way where offenders entered the property between 11pm on Tuesday and 8am on Wednesday. Nothing was stolen, however a bag from inside the house was found dumped on the driveway.

Officers are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area or has information on those involved to make contact.

Additionally, officers would like to hear from anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage which may help the investigation.

In particular they are appealing for footage from around 10pm on Tuesday which shows four males acting suspiciously, they are believed to have been travelling in a small light coloured car.

Information can be submitted by completing the following online form and also quoting incident 51 of 4 October: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

As the autumn months and darker nights approach 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.

 More information on protecting your home against burglary can be found here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/police-forces/gloucestershire-constabulary/areas/gloucestershire/campaigns/burglary/