A WARNING has been issued by police about summertime sneak-in burglaries after two incidents in Bromsgrove where thieves took advantage of unlocked doors and windows.
They happened in Churchfields in Sidemoor last Wednesday and Thursday (June 11 and 12) and, because of the way they were carried out, officers believe they could be linked.
Both properties were accessed via unlocked windows or patio doors after the raiders gained access to the back gardens.
The first – between 1am and 1.30am on June 11 – saw a white Sony laptop and three mobile phones, worth a combined £620, taken. The owner was in another room at the time of the incident.
And on June 12, a £2,400 haul was taken from a house in the same street which included an Acer Laptop and a variety of jewellery. Among the items stolen were a gold necklace, earrings and bracelet with an Aztec design, a rope chain gold ankle bracelet and another bracelet with blue and white stones.
Witnesses or anyone with any information should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Following the incidents, Det Con Tony Flannagan from the North Worcestershire anti-burglary team warned residents to be on their guard against sneak-in burglaries.
He said: “With summer upon us and the weather generally warmer people will often leave windows and doors open to get a bit of fresh or cooler air blowing through the house.
“Unfortunately opportunist thieves will target such properties as they know they can nip in and out very quickly, grabbing any valuables in sight.
“People need to get into the habit of ensuring doors and windows are locked, even if they are at home, and equally they need to get out of the mindset that this type of offence always happens to other people and not them.”
He added there had also been several burglaries where thieves had gained access through unlocked porches and even upstairs windows.
He urged people not to leave large sums of money or valuables, especially electronic goods such as laptops, iPads and mobiles, on show as they could tempt thieves.
And he concluded by saying before going on holiday, residents should ensure everything is secure, use light timer switches to give an impression homes are still occupied after dark, and notify neighbours they are going so they can keep an eye on the place.
