Thieves target homes in Ashurst

Oct 10 2008 By Michael Byrne

Police tape

POLICE are warning Ashurst residents to be on their guard against opportunist thieves operating in the area.

The thieves strike by watching people arrive home and then trying the front door of their intended victim to see if it is locked.

If the door is open, they grab whatever they can take such as purses and handbags.

Since the beginning of October there have been three incidents in the area, two of which were on Marland and another on Merewood.

In one of the incidents on Marland a purse containing £80 was taken.

People living on Manfield and Melbreck had handbags stolen in similar incidents last month. One of them had a satellite navigation system stolen.

PC Mark Thompson said: "We have a couple of suspects and are following up those leads. But residents need to be aware of what is happening and be more careful.

"The thieves watch for people coming home from work and putting their bag down by the door as they go into the house.

"If they do not lock their front door properly they will leave themselves vulnerable to the thieves."

PC Thompson added officers believe the thieves may be coming over the fields behind Asda on Ingram.

If anyone has any information about these incidents they can contact PC Thompson or PCSO Neil Cronshaw on 07958 790824.

The thefts will be discussed at the PACT meeting on Monday, October 13 at 7pm at the Lambourne Lounge, 27, Lambourne, Ashurst.