Burglaries prompt security warning

Police are calling on householders to be vigilant and act on crime prevention advice after a spate of burglaries.

Officers believe six break-ins in Newark and Balderton on Saturday/Sunday are linked.

At each property, ground-floor windows were forced open so that offenders could gain entry.

Cash and jewellery were targeted at two homes on Elm Avenue, Newark, and others on Bancroft Road and Kelham Road, Newark, and Thoroton Avenue and Manners Road, Balderton.

The burglaries happened between 10am on Saturday and 12.30am on Sunday, but are believed to have been committed during darkness.

Sergeant Simon Brooks, of Newark Police, said the burglaries were an isolated spate believed to have been committed by the same people.

Police patrols have been stepped up in case the thieves strike again.

Sergeant Brooks appealed for anyone who might have seen anything suspicious at or near where the burglaries were committed to contact Newark CID on 101.

He urged anyone to call if they had seen or saw anything suspicious since.

“We would rather turn up and find something innocent but reported in good faith than investigate a burglary because someone failed to act on their suspicions,” he said.

Sergeant Brooks said householders should take basic security steps such as locking doors and windows, leaving a light on or lights on a timer switch when they went out, and keeping valuables such as car keys and wallets, handbags and purses out of sight.

Curtains should be drawn at night and large amounts of cash should not be kept at home.

Sheds and garages should be locked and alarmed if possible.

Sergeant Brooks said presents should not be left under Christmas trees if they were visible through a door or window and, wherever possible gifts, especially expensive ones, should be postcoded.