Alert neighbour disturbs burglars

Incident 327 of 6 November

Police were called by an alert member of the public who had disturbed burglars after hearing noises around the back of a neighbouring property in Plymouth Place, Leamington Spa at approximately 11pm on Sunday 6 November.

The man went out and saw three white males in their 20’s at the back kitchen window. He asked ‘what’s this then’ and the three males barged past him and went off towards Farly Street.

Officers arrived and made an immediate search of the area. House to house enquiries were also carried out the following morning to establish further witnesses.

George Stepney, Community Intervention Manager said “This man acted very bravely in challenging these burglars. His actions disturbed them and they quickly left the area.

Looking out for a neighbours property is an important responsibility and quite rightly taken very seriously - but avoid putting yourself in any danger. Call the police if you are suspicious of any activity near a house or property and if it is appropriate shout and tell the suspects that police have been called. If you can, make a note of what they look like and report this to the police. This information could help officers identify them quickly.

 

If you are minded to investige and approach suspicious persons, make sure someone else knows what you are doing and where you are going.

The collective protection of neighbourhoods has been the single most important factor in driving down crime and keeping our communities safe. Neighbourhood Watch is very active in Warwickshire with some 14 thousand key members.

"Please also remember that prevention is better than cure" said George Stepney.

"Burglars like to break in at the back of homes where they are less likely to be seen. If you make it more difficult for burglars to get around the back of your property, you could be less likely to be burgled as a result.”

The more difficult you make it for a burglar to break in, the less likely he will try.

Fit a lockable side gate and make it difficult to climb over fences by putting ‘defensive’ rubber spiked topping strips along the top of them and consider planting prickly plants such as holly and roses at points where someone could climb over.

Install external lights. They will welcome genuine visitors and deter the criminal who wishes to work undetected. Fit a good quality alarm from a reputable supplier.

If you are going away or out for the evening, set lights on a timer switch. A living room or a bedroom light will give the impression of occupancy. Leaving only a hall or landing light on may not have the same effect.

It may sound obvious but make sure you lock your windows and doors! Make this part of your routine before you settle down for the evening.

Any witnesses to the attempted burglary are please asked to contact the Local Investigation team on 01926 415000 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.