Five arrested as warrants are executed as part of high value burglary investigation

Five arrests have been made by officers investigating a high value burglary at an antiques shop in the Cotswolds.

Officers from the Operation Vanguard Team made the arrests this morning (Thursday 3 November) after executing warrants at addresses in Cheltenham, Churchdown and Gloucester.

A 41-year-old man from Churchdown, a 38-year-old woman from Gloucester, a 33-year-old man from Cheltenham, a 21-year-old man from Cheltenham and an 18-year-old man from Cheltenham were all arrested on suspicion of burglary.

They remain in police custody at this time for questioning.

The warrants were executed after information had been gathered about a burglary at an antiques shop last month where £100,000 worth of silver and gold was stolen.

Police were called to Mickleton Antiques on Stratford Road on Monday 17 October after it was reported that unknown offenders had removed an alarm system from the building before gaining entry to the shop, searching within and leaving with multiple items of jewellery.

Acting Chief Inspector Marcus Forbes-George from the Cotswolds and Stroud Operation Vanguard Team said: "We've been working tirelessly since the burglary was reported to us, as brazen crimes like this will not be tolerated here in Gloucestershire.

"Crimes like these have a massive impact on victims and we will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has been involved for their hard work and dedication as our investigation continues."

Officers are asking anyone who witnessed the burglary, saw suspicious activity in the area or who has information which could assist the investigation to please make contact.

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 121 of 17 October: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Alternatively you can call police on 101, phone independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website at https://crimestoppers-uk.org