Residents urged to vigilant following high value burglaries in Chester

Detectives in Chester are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity following a number of high value burglaries in the villages surrounding the city.

Over the past two weeks, officers have dealt with a number of burglaries where offenders have gained entry via insecure windows and doors.

These have included incidents in Mollington, Saughall, Upton, Huntington, Waverton and Farndon area.

During a number of these incidents, witnesses have reported seeing a group of four or five men, wearing surgical facemasks, travelling together in a vehicle around the time of the offence.

Enquiries in relation to the incidents are ongoing and officers are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Sergeant Stuart Needham, of Chester CID, said: “Enquiries in relation to these incidents are in the early stages and we’re committed to doing all we can to trace the people responsible.

“Patrols have been stepped up and while our investigation remains ongoing, I would urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their community.

“I would also ask residents to play their part by ensuring their homes are secure at all times.

“Opportunist thieves are always on the lookout for potential targets, so by following our simple advice you can reduce your chances of falling victim.”

Residents are advised to follow the following advice:
• Make sure that all windows are closed and locked, even when you are at home or in the garden.
• Use the security measures on modern windows, which allow them to let some air in but still be locked.
• Do not store any high value jeweller or large quantities of cash in your home.
• Keep all valuables out of the line of sight of prying eyes. Never put car keys or purses on window sills or in view of a window or door.
• Always avoid keeping large amounts of cash in your house.
• Make sure that your vehicle is locked whenever you are not in it and that you have not left any doors, windows or the sunroof open.
• Lock gates to deter offenders getting to the rear of your property.
• Where feasible install CCTV.
• Make sure that your vehicle is locked whenever you are not in it and that you have not left any doors, windows or the sunroof open.
• If you have electronic car keys, keep them in a security pouch when you are not using them to prevent them from being scanned by thieves to open and steal your vehicle nearby
• If your keyless entry fob can be turned off, and your dealer can confirm this, then do so overnight
• Fitting a Sold Secure steering wheel, gear lever or clutch pedal security device can give your vehicle added protection and deter thieves
• Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can be accessed without a thief needing to open the vehicle doors, boot or bonnet, but which can unlock and start your car. If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.
To report any suspicious activity in your community visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tua or call 101.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously .