Four overnight burglaries in Littlehampton

Following the coldest winter on record for over thirty years, Sunday 28th March finally saw the start of British Summer Time.

While most people will welcome the longer evenings and (fingers crossed) warmer weather, it's also a time of year when burglars seek to take advantage. Although the number of burglaries across Sussex are falling there is always a rise during the summer months because of people leaving doors and windows open or insecure.

Sadly for the residents of four properties in Littlehampton, summer may have come a little too early. Just as many of us were enjoying a well earned Good Friday break, officers from Littlehampton Police Station were investigating four burglary dwellings that had occurred overnight.

Around 1.20am (1st April) an elderly resident in The Faroes was woken up, and heard male voices in his property. The burglars made off with a black Advent laptop computer.

Between 11.30pm and 8.30am (31st March-1st April) two houses in Thorncroft Road were unlawfully entered with the burglars stealing a mobile telephone, foodstuff and various items of clothing.

Between 10.45pm and 5.30am (31st March- 1st April) a property in Western Road was entered after the front door was forced with an unknown implement. The burglars left having stolen:

1) A black leather type handbag with foldover clasp and long shoulder strap which contained £70 cash and various bank, store and other cards.
2) A gold ring with the initials JJ on it
3) Silver ‘Concord’ digital camera (3.1 megapixels)
4) Statue of Zulu man 18inches tall, made of pottery with a shield in one hand and a sword in the other.
5) Two Second World War medals - one described as a bronze star with red, white and blue on it and the other is described as being a silver round service medal.

Sgt Peter Allan of Littlehampton Police said, “ We are investigating these offences which occurred over the same night in a fairly small geographic area. Sadly three of the four properties were insecure which made it easy for the burglars to enter. I appeal for people to lock their doors and windows, even when they are indoors.

“I would further ask that members of the public promptly inform us of any suspicious activity they witness, as well as reporting the theft of any items from their premises straight away. Finally keep all wallets, purses, credit cards and car keys out of sight.

“Please contact Littlehampton CID if you have any information in connection with these or any other burglaries.”

Lock all doors and windows when going out or working in the back garden, put all garden tools away and lock your shed or garage. Don't be careless with your wallet or purse, even around you home. Place it out of sight.

It only takes a few seconds for a burglar to make his mark, so take a few minutes to make your mark against them. Discouraging them from targeting your property will help ensure you enjoy your summer.

Please ask for our information sheet, which you can display in an appropriate place as a reminder. You can obtain one at your local police station or by calling 0845 60 70 999 and asking to speak to your local Crime Prevention Officer.

Because the best defence against any burglary is prevention, Crime Prevention Officers will be distributing the 'Keep Cool This Summer' leaflets across Sussex. The leaflets contain the following advice:

1) When you go out, lock all the doors and windows.
2) Don't leave fanlight windows open.
3) When you leave a room unattended, close windows and doors - especially on the ground floor.
4) If you want to leave your windows open whilst you are asleep, fit window restrictors to stop people opening them to climb in.
5) Double check fences and boundaries to make sure they keep burglars out.
6) Secure garden tools and ladders in a locked shed or garage to prevent them being used to break in to your or a neighbour's home.
7) Keep all wallets, purses, credit cards and car keys out of sight.
8) Consider laying gravel on your footpaths or driveway, which can deter burglars from approaching your property.
9)Outside security lighting as well as a visible burglar alarm helps deter burglars.

For more advice on crime prevention visit www.sussex.police.uk or phone 0845 60 70 999 and ask for your local Crime Prevention Officer.

In an emergency, or if you see a crime in progress, always dial 999.