Nottinghamshire Police is urging residents to check their security and help the force drive down burglaries even further after a home was ransacked while a couple was on holiday.
The warning comes after new national statistics released this week showed burglaries in the county dropped by just over a third (34 per cent) in the year to April 2021, marking a sustained fall which began well before the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
However the force is never complacent and its hard work continues day-in day-out to help prevent burglaries from happening in the first place, rigorously investigate reports and take robust action against burglars.
An investigation is under way and officers are appealing for witnesses and information after a couple returned from holiday on Wednesday (21 July 2021) to find all their rooms of their house had been gone through and jewellery, cash and porcelain had been taken.
The burglary happened in Hereford Road, Ravenshead, between 26 June and 21 July 2021. There were no signs of forced entry.
Officers are also investigating after a suspect tried to enter a house in St Michael’s Avenue, Gedling.
A window left ajar was pulled open as the offender tried to climb in. When the victim went downstairs after hearing a noise she found the window wide open. The frame had been damaged and items on the window sill had been moved after the suspect was disturbed and fled.
The attempted burglary happened at about 12.15am on Thursday.
Witnesses or anyone who may have captured CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage of the incidents are being urged to come forward as police continue with their enquiries.
Neighbourhood Inspector Chris Pearson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Burglary is such an invasive and traumatic crime which we don’t want anyone to fall victim to.
“Tackling and reducing burglary is a priority for the force and we want to do everything we can to stop burglaries from happening in the first place.
“We have increased patrols in these areas to provide reassurance while we continue with our investigations but we do need the public’s help to combat burglary.
“We can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure your front and back doors are kept locked, even when you’re in the house, and your windows are kept locked where possible to deter burglars.
“We want people to enjoy the warmer weather but we’re urging them to think about their home security before it’s too late.
Some simple crime prevention tips for your home include:
• Make sure that all doors and windows are locked.
• Keep desirable items out of view to passers-by. Valuables should not be visible from windows and doors in your home.
• Ensure your keys are kept in a safe place out of sight and well away from your letterbox.
• Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed.
• Never leave garages or sheds unlocked, especially if they connect to your property.
• Having a working home intruder alarm and even a doorbell camera could help deter intruders.
• If you see somebody acting suspiciously report it to Nottinghamshire Police immediately by calling 101 or, in an emergency, call 999.
For more information on how to protect your home visit https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/document/advice-home
Anyone with an information about the incidents mentioned is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 438 of 21 July (Ravenshead) or 17 of 22 July (Gedling).