Northumbria: Appeal after break-ins in Sunderland

September 20, 2012, 2:57 pm

Police are appealing for witnesses and reminding residents to secure their homes after burglaries in Sunderland.

At 2.36am on Wednesday, September 19, police received a report that a burglary had taken place at a house at Fordland Place in Sunderland.

Thieves got in through an unlocked door and stole items including a laptop, cash and a set of car keys, the homeowner’s car – a specially adapted Renault Clio motobility car – was stolen.

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Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Pickett said: “It can be seen that the car is quite obviously adapted for the family’s needs and the thieves stealing it will have known that.

“It’s despicable they first of all burgled the family’s home, but then to steal the car which is vital for the family’s needs is beyond belief.
“We’re carrying out a number of enquires to trace witnesses, find the car and the people responsible for the theft and I’d urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible. Anyone who sees suspicious activity in their neighbourhood should call police.”

Police are also reminding residents in the area to ensure their homes are secure after other incidents. This morning, Thursday, September 20, at Ancona Street, thieves got in through an unlocked door and stole a television.

Over recent days, three cars which were all unlocked were broken into in the same area.

Insp Pickett added: “It’s vital people secure their property, whether cars or homes. While burglary has reduced significantly in the area homeowners must make sure they lock doors and windows of their home, even if in but in another part of the house, and especially overnight.

“Cars should always be locked whenever they are left, even if only for a few minutes. People should also remove anything of value from their cars, and from view or within easy reach from inside their homes.

“While we will continue to do all we can to identify offenders and have them arrested there are some simple crime prevention steps which can be taken to reduce the risk of falling victim to these opportunist thieves.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information about the whereabouts of the car or the identity of the people responsible for the burglaries and thefts should contact police on 101 ext 69191, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For more information on crime prevention contact officers on 101, or visit the website at www.northumbria.police.uk