Burglars target ten cars and properties in Newbury crime blitz

Police issue warning after week of crime

BURGLARS have targeted ten cars and properties in Newbury in the past week.

The crime blitz took place between the January 18 and 25, with a number of tools being stolen from vans in the Newbury area.

The following areas have been targeted:

Old Newtown Road - Overnight between January 22 and 23 an attempt was made to gain access to a white Mercedes Benz Sprinter van by forcing the doors. No entry was gained.

Thurlow Grange, Newbury -Around 7.30pm on January 22 a suspicious male was spotted sitting in a white Ford Transit van.

Entry had been gained to the vehicle by forcing the passenger side lock. A Vauxhall Zafira partial index GN55 was seen driving away from the incident which may or may not be connected.

Jago Court , Newbury – Overnight between January 22 and 23 a white panel van was broken into. The lock was forced on the door and tools were stolen.

Three Acre Road, Newbury – overnight between January 22 and 23 a Ford Transit van was broken into and a radio and tools were stolen.

Castle Grove, Newbury – Overnight between January 22 and 23 offenders have gained entry to a white Ford Transit van and stolen tools.

Maple Crescent, Newbury – Between 1pm on the January 22 and 6pm on January 23 a Ford Transit van was broken into and power tools were stolen.

Claremont Crescent, Newbury – between January 22 and 24 a van was broken into and tools were stolen.

Wormersley Road, Newbury – Between midnight and 6am on January 23 an offender(s) caused damage to silver VW Golf. By smashing the rear window and scratching the paintwork.

Wendan Road, Newbury - Between the January 18 and 21 an uninhabited property was broken into. The rear door was forced, although nothing was stolen

Mill Lane, Newbury – Garage break between the January 20 and 23 a garage in Mill Lane, Newbury was broken into by forcing the lock. A messy search was carried out but nothing was stolen.

Police are asking people to warn any neighbours with work vans to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons seen to the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.

Thames Valley Police has issued the following advice to help protect your vehicles:-

- Where possible remove tools from your vehicle when not in use.

- Postcode mark your tools either by etching or ordinary household paint will suffice.

- Park your vehicle with the rear doors as close to a wall or garage door as you can so that it is difficult to gain entry to them.

If you have information call police on 101 or you have information on a suspected crime in progress, call 999. You can also ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111