Avon & Somerset: Relentless keeping you safe with burglary arrests

September 20, 2012, 2:36 pm

We have been patrolling the Downend area checking on household security after two reported burglaries in the area last week. PCSOs have been out and about on foot, checking for open windows and keys left in doors.

Neighbourhood PCSO Katrina Sheldrake said: “I’d urge people living in the area to be vigilant and take extra care to lock up and set security alarms. Both burglaries happened on Friday afternoon, September 14. In one thieves found the car keys and took the vehicle and in the other electrical items including laptops, games consoles and a television were taken.”

The PCSOs knocked on hundreds of doors giving householders advice. If no one was home, they posted an advice leaflet and a calling card. They found nine homes were insecure, including one with the keys left in the front door.

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A 28-year-old man was arrested today, Thursday September 20 2012, for questioning by detectives investigating the burglaries. Anyone with any information which could help can get in touch through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact, or by calling 101. Alternatively ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.

There have been more arrests in South Gloucestershire as part of ‘Relentless – keeping you safe’, including:
• A 36-year-old man from Speedwell arrested on Wednesday September 19 who is due before Northavon magistrates today, Thursday September 20 charged with a burglary at a house in Bradley Stoke in which vehicle keys, a wallet and sunglasses were taken; theft of a vehicle; stealing charity boxes, cash, tools and an air rifle in a non-domestic burglary in Coalpit Heath and another non-domestic burglary, also in Coalpit Heath.

• Officers arrested a man on the A38 at Falfield in the early hours of Wednesday September 19 after staff at a hotel spotted a man acting suspiciously and called us. A 22-year-old man from Cheltenham is due in court today charged with theft of a champagne bottle.

Our top tips to deter burglars include:

• Always lock doors and windows shut when you’re not in the same room
• Always set the alarm, if you have one, when you go out
• Hide keys safely away
• Register valuables like laptops and mobile phones for free at www.immobilise.com
• Mark your property with your postcode with an ultraviolet pen or permanent marker
• Join or set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme
• Call police immediately if you see anyone acting suspiciously around a neighbour’s home.
• There’s more advice on our website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.

Find out more about how we are keeping you safe by visiting our Operation Relentless section and report intelligence, in confidence, through our online form.