Homeowners warned after spate of burglaries in the North Cotswolds (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Homeowners warned after spate of burglaries in Moreton-in-Marsh and Condicote

12:15pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in News

BURGLARS have been on a nine-hour stealing spree at homes in the North Cotswolds.

Police are reminding residents about home security after four houses were targeted by burglars in Moreton-In-Marsh and Condicote.

The incidents happened over a nine hour period between 10pm on Sunday February 17 and 7am on Monday February 18.

Burglars first entered a Condicote home through a window and stole a Samsung flat screen TV and DVD player between 10pm on Sunday and 6am on Monday.

The second break-in happened at a house on Fosseway Avenue in Moreton-in-Marsh between midnight and 7am on Monday. Thieves got into the house through a door at the back. Once inside they took an LG mobile phone, an Acer laptop, £50 in cash and a handful of smaller items.

The third burglary happened again on Fosseway Avenue between midnight and 7.35am on Monday. Thieves entered the house through a door at the back and took an LG LED TV, An Acer laptop, a Sony Alpha digital camera, a Sony PS3 and a Blackberry mobile phone.

The fourth break-in took place back at a Condicote house between 4.15am and 4.30am on Monday. The thieves attempted to get into the house through a door at the back but were disturbed by a dog living there and ran away.

Police believe that the four incidents could be linked as it appears that the items stolen were all similar in each burglary.

Police Sergeant Richard Smith said “It is quite unusual for our area to experience at spate of burglaries like this which is why we are taking this so seriously.

“We would appeal to anyone who may be able to help with this to come forward and in the meantime remind all residents to be extra vigilant with regards to home safety. Remember to always lock windows and doors, turn on lights when it’s dark, secure sheds and garages and lock side gates”.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation should call police on 101 quoting incident 42 of February 18.

You can also remain anonymous and contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org. In some cases Crimestoppers offer rewards of up to £1000 where information leads to a conviction.