Burglary spate Colwyn Bay, Abergele, Conwy

Dec 29 2011 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

A SPATE of burglaries across North Wales are being linked to a criminal gang travelling to the area along the A55.

North Wales Police are warning residents in Colwyn Bay, Abergele and Conwy after 25 burglaries in the three towns – as well as similar incidents in Caernarfon, Bangor, Menai Bridge, Mold and Rhyl.

The burglaries are being linked because of the type of goods stolen, the homes targeted and when the incidents occurred.

Police say a dedicated team has been set up to target the thieves, with all operational officers made aware of the spate with a plan to target offenders.

Detective Chief Inspector Iestyn Davies explained: “It is not our intention to alarm people, but we have had upwards of 25 house burglaries in towns and villages close to the A55 corridor.

“We need people to be aware so they can guard against becoming another victim and report anything suspicious.

“There is a clear and definitive pattern to these burglaries where homes have been targeted and cash and jewellery stolen. The houses have all been entered between 4.30pm-10pm, usually at the weekend.

“The properties targeted have in the main been on private housing estates and we believe the houses selected have appeared unoccupied at that particular time.

“In the past offenders who have travelled into the area have used stolen high performance vehicles on false plates. They have travelled in teams of three to four males who may look out of place in such vehicles.

“I also believe they occasionally stay at local hotels and pay in cash.

“I appeal to hotel staff who have any suspicions about residents who may fit this profile to contact us. I also urge anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour on or near a private housing estate to contact police.

“Spates of burglaries such as this are thankfully infrequent in North Wales, but I ask people to take a few extra steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.”

Jewellery has topped the list of items stolen and police are also urging staff at gold shops to be vigilant.

Anyone who has any information should contact North Wales Police on 0300 330 0101.

Make sure your home is secure and valuables are in a safe, but not obvious, place (e.g don’t leave jewellery in a box or on the dressing table).

If you are away ask neighbours to keep an eye on your property. If possible leave a car on the drive.

Don’t advertise the fact you are going away on social network sites.

Keep jewellery in locked containers in locations a thief would not expect to find them.

Make sure keys to the property are in a secure, out of sight place, not visible through the letterbox.

Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home.

Don’t leave valuable items such as handbags, watches or purses in full view of anyone passing by your window or door.

If you’re out at night leave a light on or use a timer switch to make it look like someone’s at home.

Close your curtains if you’re out for the night.

Make sure your home is secure at all times – lock door and windows when you’re at home.

Lock away tools and ladders which may help a thief enter your property.

If you store bikes in a shed or outbuilding, make sure they are secure.

Mark your property with a UV pen. This will increase the chance of recovering it.