SOMERSET NEWS: Burglars strike in Street and Wells

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following five burglaries in the Street and Wells areas during one night earlier this month.

The incidents all occurred between the late hours of Wednesday, September 14, 2016, and the early hours of Thursday, September 15, 2016.

On September 14 between 10pm and 10.30pm a brick was used to smash a window at a dentist surgery on Hind Hayes Lane in Street. No property was taken. (Crime Reference number 5216205318).

Later that evening, between 11.25pm and 6.50am the following morning, car keys were taken from a home on Hempitts Way in Street. The offenders were able to take the keys through the letterbox using an implement. The car, a dark Blue Audi A3, was taken and later seen travelling along the A38 towards Bridgwater at 3:23am the following morning. The car is still missing. (Crime reference 5216205299).

Overnight, between 5.30pm on September 14 and 8.30am on September 15, there was also a forced entry to Avanti Motorsport on West End Street in Street. A side window was smashed to gain entry and tools and remote control cars were taken. (Crime reference 5216205352). 

At 2am the following morning (Thursday, September 15, 2016) a group of people forced open the shutters of the Co-op on West End Street. They later returned at 3am and used a large breezeblock to smash the front door. The group of four or five people then entered the shop and stole various items including alcohol and the till.  They left in a car and were seen travelling towards the A38. The till was later found discarded outside a church on Walton Road. (Crime reference 5216205269). 

One the same night at around 00:40am a group of two or three people were seen trying to unsuccessfully force entry to a jewellery store on Broad Street. (Crime reference 5216205245).  

PC Marc Walker said; “We know that being burgled is traumatic and unsettling for victims, their family and neighbours. For many, the emotional impact lasts much longer than the time it takes to tidy up and replace belongings. 

"If your home is in the process of being burgled, you should call 999 immediately and officers will get to you as a priority. If your home has been burgled and the offenders have left, please call 101 and report this. Our call handlers will know what to do and advise you on preserving key evidence until officers arrive. 

“You can take precautions to protect your property and stop you and your family becoming victims of crime too. You can find out more in our Crime Prevention pages on the website.

PC Marc Walker continued “Did you see or hear anything unusual in these areas on that night? If you were witness to any of these burglaries, we would like to hear from you to help us with our investigations. You can contact us on 101 quoting the relevant crime reference number.  

“Alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call and you could earn yourself a cash reward.” 

“At the moment we are staying open minded as to whether these burglaries are connected.”

Tags:
News.