Spate of burglaries in West Berkshire
Police officers warn homeowners of burglars that have targeted properties unoccupied for long periods
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to help them with investigations into several burglaries of vacant properties in West Berkshire recently.
Since March 8 there have been seven incidents of vacant properties being burgled in the district.
Between September 1 and March 8 a property in Fishers Lane, Cold Ash, was targeted and a key was taken.
Following this incident a copper boiler and piping were taken from the property on March 21.
Between March 8 and 9, sinks, taps and a dustbin were stolen from a house in Old Bath Road, Newbury, which police say has been targeted previously.
Copper, scrap metal and a hot water cylinder were stolen from a house in Curridge Road, Chieveley, between March 14-15.
A property in Craven Road, Newbury, was then targeted twice – once between March 1-16, and again on March 18 during which a stereo, clothing, books, crockery, cutlery, loft ladder, vacuum cleaner and a shredder were stolen.
The latest incident occurred in Porchester Road, Newbury, between March 26-28 where burglars searched the property but took nothing.
Sergeant Emily Evans, who is investigating the burglaries, said: "We have had seven incidents in the last month whereby offenders are forcing entry to derelict or vacant properties and stealing any items of value, or taking metal which has a high scrap value currently. The properties are being completely ransacked, and extensive damage is caused.
"Offenders are then returning to properties to take more. "Two of the properties in this series have been targeted twice.
"I would encourage anyone with a property which is going to be vacant long term to make it as secure as they can, and where possible make it appear as someone lives there. If there is a neighbour who could keep an eye on the property for you, then this is very helpful."
She added: "In any case, it is always worth making police aware of any properties that are going to be vacant long term."
If you have any information regarding the afore-mentioned incidents or would like to inform the police that your property is going to be vacated long term, call the 24-hour police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505.