Police are appealing for information after items of gold jewellery were stolen during break-ins at homes in Bradley Stoke, Filton and Shirehampton on Monday 2nd October.
A fourth break-in, also on Monday, at a property in Westbury-on-Trym, is also being investigated.
The first happened in the Three Brooks Lane area of Bradley Stoke between 8.45am and 12.45pm. The thieves scaled a six-foot garden fence to break in and steal gold jewellery, including a diamond bangle (pictured below), as well as cash in Indian rupees and a small gold-plated statue of Ganesha.
Between 12.55pm and 1.45pm, thieves forced the rear doors of a house in Southmead Road, Filton and stole two gold bangles and a laptop. It’s thought the burglars were disturbed by the alarm sounding. The householder remembers seeing an unfamiliar white car parked in the road as they left the property.
A house in Home Ground, Westbury-on-Trym was broken into between 1.40pm and 2.50pm. The burglars damaged the front and back doors and gained entry by forcing a window. It’s not yet clear what was stolen. Again an unfamiliar white car was seen in the area at the time.
Finally, a house in St Marys Road, Shirehampton was burgled between 3pm and 3.40pm. The thieves smashed the rear patio door and stole gold jewellery.
Officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries in each of the areas affected. Forensic investigations have taken place at each property and the Bobby Van, a specially trained police carpenter, will visit to offer home security advice.
Police say they’re keen to trace two men who were seen getting into a white car in Westbury-on-Trym at around 2.30pm. One wore a white hoodie and dark-coloured trousers, while the second wore a dark-coloured hoodie and baseball cap (pictured above).
Anyone with any information which could help is asked to get in touch online, or by calling 101, quoting the relevant reference number:
- Bradley Stoke incident – 5217224772
- Filton incident – 5217224860
- Westbury on Trym incident – 5217224941
- Shirehampton incident – 5217224976
Alternatively, ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call. You could even qualify for a reward and still remain anonymous.
Following a number of incidents in which entire safes have been stolen, police advise keeping high-value jewellery with a secure storage company and cash in the bank, rather than at home.
A police spokesperson said:
“Remember, if you see someone acting suspiciously around a neighbour’s property, call the police straight away. If they’re obviously breaking in, ring 999; otherwise, call the non-emergency number 101. Our operators are on hand 24/7.”
Police advice: Burglary
Photos: 1 CCTV image recorded in Westbury-on-Trym of two men whom police are keen to trace. 2 Gold and diamond bangle stolen in the Bradley Stoke burglary.
Source: Press release from Avon and Somerset Police