Police linking series of house burglaries in Droitwich (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Police linking series of house burglaries in Droitwich

2:17pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News

POLICE have launched an operation to combat house burglaries in Droitwich Spa after a series of linked crimes.

Around 12 break-ins have taken place in the town in just six weeks.

Detectives are connecting the burglaries and have started an operation to halt the problem.

Police have released an e-fit image of a man they wish to speak to about the crimes that have hit the town since September 1.

They have mostly taken place in the residential areas between Ombersley Way and The Holloway and many of the homes were targeted when people were away on holiday.

The description for the e-fit was given after a man was seen acting suspiciously near to where one of the burglaries took place. He was described as being white, in his 20s, approximately 6ft tall, of average build but overweight.

He had dark brown hair with short back and sides and side burns. He was wearing a dark-coloured coat, a light coloured open necked top and dark trousers.

Detective Inspector Richard Rees said: “Droitwich is generally a safe and peaceful place, but we have seen a significant increase in the number burglaries in the town recently.

“We have launched an operation to combat the rise; those living in the affected area will have seen an increase in the number of patrols by officers and PCSOs.

“We are contacting local residents neighbouring burgled properties letting them know they are at a greater risk of being targeted themselves and advising them on how they can protect themselves.

“Also, my detectives are looking at the forensic evidence that links the burglaries, gathering intelligence from many sources and targeting known offenders in the area who handle stolen goods.

“If anyone recognises the man in the e-fit, we would like to hear from them. If you see someone in your neighbourhood resembling the image and behaving suspiciously, please call the police immediately on 999.

“If you are due to go away, please take steps to protect your home in your absence.”

Police are advising people to take a number of steps to help protect their home when away on holiday. They include fitting timer plugs for lights and radios, asking a trusted friend to shut and open curtains for you, cancel milk, mail and newspaper orders and to mow the lawn before you leave.

Other advice and information can be found at westmercia.police.uk or by calling West Mercia Police on 101.

A number of items were recovered from Droitwich Barge Canal on Monday and police are investigating if these are linked to any of the crimes.