Police caution residents after high-value burglaries across Cotswolds
Twelve properties targeted; police seek community vigilance
People living in the Cotswolds are being urged to exercise vigilance following a series of high-value burglaries reported in the region.
In January, twelve properties suffered break-ins with offenders seizing valuables including jewellery, watches, cash, handbags, antiques, silverware, and safes.
The burglaries primarily took place in areas like Saintbury, Winchcombe, Icomb, and Andoversford between 4.30pm and 11pm, with indications that these locations were intentionally targeted.
Extensive forensic investigations, house-to-house canvassing, and CCTV examinations have been conducted at the affected addresses as police work to determine if these crimes are connected.
Police have stepped up proactive patrols across the Cotswolds, and investigations continue.
Authorities are asking residents to maintain a watchful eye and report any suspicious behavior, such as observing individuals lingering near properties or slowly driving through neighborhoods.
They also encourage reviewing home security measures and sharing any relevant information, CCTV, or dashcam footage with police.
To report information or footage, contact Gloucestershire Police through their website, using the reference incident 106 of 26th February.
For immediate situations like witnessing a crime, seeing a suspect nearby, facing immediate danger, or encountering a threat of serious property damage, call 999.
Officers offer security tips to help safeguard homes and outbuildings.
Homeowners should consider installing a 'WIDE' combination of security devices, which includes window locks, indoor lights on timers, double door locks or deadbolts, and external lights on sensors.
Additional precautions include storing car keys in a signal-blocking pouch, positioning keys away from windows and doors, and ensuring valuable items aren't visible from outside.