Two attempted distraction burglaries (If in doubt, keep them out)

Police are now linking two attempted distraction burglaries in Southwick and Worthing on the same day last week.

The first happened around 5pm in Cortis Avenue, Worthing, when a man knocked on the door of a house last Wednesday 14 April claiming to be from the water board and saying that there had been an explosion up the road and he needed to check taps and water pressure. He showed the woman householder a card with a photo and some initials, but no company name.

While the suspect 'worked' on the kitchen sink, he asked the woman to go and flush a toilet. She grew suspicious, recognising his actions as those of a distraction burglar and said that she was going to call a neighbour to help check the water upstairs. The suspect said there was no need, but the woman went to her lounge to call her neighbour and the man quickly left. Nothing appears to have been stolen.

The man is described as white, aged around 30, about 5' 5", of slim build with short dark brown hair. He was wearing a dark navy blue jumper and dark trousers. Anyone who saw a man fitting this description in the area around 5pm is asked to contact 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 1339 of 14/04.

In the second incident, an elderly couple in Downsway, Southwick, opened the door to a man at 6.30pm on the same day saying he was from the water board and there had been an explosion down the road and needed to check their taps and water pressure. He stayed for about 20 minutes and then another man joined him and asked the couple to change two £10 notes for a £20 note, which they did not have. They then left. Nothing was stolen.

Sussex Police advise that if you don't know who is calling at your house to take your time - a genuine caller will wait for you to contact a utility company to check their identity. Look up the number in your phone book or from a utility bill, don't accept a mobile number offered by the caller.

You do not have to let people in and if you are uncertain then don't, however persuasive or plausible the caller is. It is better that a genuine caller is turned away than a burglar is let in. Call the police immediately if you become the victim of one of these burglars or if you see anyone behaving suspiciously near where you live.

Keep an eye out (lead and fuel thefts on the rise).

Sussex Police is calling on the public to be on the lookout to prevent fuel and metal thefts across the county.

Since fuel and metal prices have risen, there has been a steady increase in diesel thefts from commercial vehicles and storage tanks situated at farm premises and commercial companies across Sussex. There has also been a significant rise in metal thefts including lead, cast iron and copper cabling from homes, churches, schools and commercial yards.

Members of the public who live in rural locations, near to commercial parking areas or vulnerable buildings are asked to report any sightings of suspect persons, unusual activity or vehicle movement. Anyone who spots any suspicious activitiy should call 0845 60 70 999 or if suspects are present, dial 999 for an immediate response.

Information about thefts can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Trevor Cox, Sussex Police's crime reduction adviser, says that information from vigilant members of the public is vital if the police are to successfully target those responsible.

"Buildings are being damaged, sometimes dangerously so, and companies already struggling to survive are in danger of going under because of these crimes being committed," he said.

"Owners of vulnerable vehicles and premises can also help by taking steps to tackle the problem and if they are unsure as to what they can do they should contact their local crime prevention officer, through their local police station, who will be happy to assist or arrange an on site visit."

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.