(Updated 05/04/21)
A number of sheds and garages, and a vehicle, were broken into in Saltford during the night of Tuesday 30 March, between midnight and 4am. Residents are encouraged to check their property and ensure it is secured, and to inform police of any information that may help their enquiries.
Information from A&S Police as follows:
CCTV has witnessed five males enter a garage on Homefield Close at approximately 1.50am on Tuesday 30 March. The offenders entered through the roller shutter door, which they closed behind them, and left about a minute later. Nothing has been stolen. If you contact the Police about this incident, please quote Reference number: 5221068175.
At 2.40am, CCTV captured five males attempting to get into a workshop on High Street. They were seen looking around the building and trying the door handle. If you contact the Police about this incident, please quote Reference number: 5221067694.
A garage and shed on High Street were entered at approximately 3am on Tuesday 30 March. Nothing was stolen. The lock to the garage door was broken off to gain entry but the shed was unlocked. If you contact the police about this incident, please quote Reference number: 5221067708.
A neighbouring garage on High Street was broken that night, probably around the same time period. Nothing was stolen. If you contact the police about this incident, please quote Reference number: 5221067692.
Someone cut the padlock off to enter a garage on Norman Road. The offender(s) left without taking anything, leaving the garage door open. This happened between 11pm on Monday 29 March and 7am on Tuesday the 30th. If you contact the police about this incident, please quote Reference number: 5221067692.
The residents of a home on Montague Road, Saltford, were disturbed by outside noises at approximately 2.40am on Tuesday 30 March. When they went outside to look they disturbed four offenders who had just broken into their garage. The culprits ran off when challenged, leaving behind the items they had stolen. If you contact the police about this incident, please quote Reference number: 5221067498.
A van was broken into while it was parked on Norman Road, Saltford, between midnight and 4am on Tuesday 30 March. Nothing has been stolen. Reference number: 5221068582.
If you have any information regarding these incidents contact the Police on 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111
Buying and selling online?
Message from A&S police: We are seeing an increase in burglaries of garages and sheds where the offenders are clearly targeting bicycles, both road and mountainbikes. It appears that a number of these bikes have been listed for sale on social media platforms, and a potential buyer arranges to view the vehicle but doesn’t then turn up. Unsurprisingly, a day or so later the garage or shed is broken into and the bike is stolen.
If you are considering selling your vehicle – or any expensive item – follow the guidance provided on the website. Do not automatically assume it is safe to pass over your address details or photos of your vehicle outside of your garage, especially if it shows the street name and garage number. If you do so and the purchaser doesn’t turn up, be aware and pay close attention to the item you are selling and where it is stored.
Sadly, this may not just affect you. If your garage is broken into, your neighbour could also be targeted and may suffer damage to their garage or outbuilding in the process.
Remember, whenever you place an advert you are also advertising what you have to steal. Read the guidance provided by the website carefully, and ask yourself if you really need to provide your address or should you meet somewhere nearby? Always meet any prospective buyers in a well-lit, public area.