Reminder to remain vigilant following Cotswolds burglaries and outbuilding break ins

Police are reminding homeowners to be vigilant following a recent series of burglaries and outbuilding breaks in Bledington, near Stow-on-the-Wold, over recent days.

It has been reported that a number of properties and outbuildings have been broken into with offenders stealing items from inside.

The first incident took place between 3.45pm on Monday (9 January) and 7.45am on Tuesday (10 January) and saw offenders enter a house and steal Dewalt power tools. 

The second incident took place on Station Road around 1.40am on Monday (9 January) and saw offenders force entry to an outbuilding and steal chainsaws and strimmers.

In another incident offenders stole a 12ft Ifor Williams livestock trailer from a farm between Saintbury and Willersey. This took place around 9.10pm on Wednesday (11 January).

The trailer has a distinctive jockey wheel, the handle is orange and the jockey wheel itself is orange.

Anyone who has witnessed suspicious activity in the area or has information on the incidents is asked to complete the following online form and use the relevant incident number listed below: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

• first incident- incident 59 of 10 January
• second incident - CR/01667/23
• third incident- incident 457 of 11 January

As the winter months continue officers would like to remind residents of the protective measures that can be taken to help ensure homes and vehicles are as safe as possible.

There are a number of measures that can be taken to help protect your home from burglary with homeowners advised to install a 'WIDE' combination of security devices 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 and External lights on a sensor. More here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/police-forces/gloucestershire-constabulary/areas/gloucestershire/campaigns/burglary/

There are also a number of additional crime prevention methods that you can consider which include:

• Having strong and secure locks on doors and windows. Make sure you include gates leading to the rear of your property.
• Storing high-value items within your house as well as making a note of the serial numbers and take photographs.
• Security marking valuable items with either an Ultra-Violet pen or a forensic marking kit.
• Use a padlock on your shed, especially if you leave a lot of expensive garden equipment in there. Some burglars take advantage of your shed being unlocked. You can also consider a shed alarm.
• Defensive planting (thorns, bushes) can prevent casual intrusion.

Additional advice on ways to help protect your shed, outbuilding or garage from burglary can be found here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/secure-shed-garage/