Hotel targeted by crowbar raider in burglary spree

POLICE have issued a warning to householders in Burton to lock their homes, sheds and garages — after a spate of burglaries in the town.

Staffordshire Police have received several reports of break-ins in the Belvedere Road and Branston Road areas of Burton, Stapenhill and Stretton, with property taken including bicycles, electrical items and tools.

Meanwhile, one offender wielding what is believed to have been a crowbar, was caught breaking into an office at the Riverside Hotel, in Branston, but fled empty-handed across railway tracks after being disturbed by the manager.

Sergeant Gary Sargent, from Burton police, told the Mail: “We have got an ongoing investigation and are looking into these incidents but it’s important people are aware of what action they can take to prevent crime.

“That means making sure doors and windows are locked, but also that garden gates and sheds are secured.

“If you have a car on the driveway, make sure it’s locked and keep the keys in a secure location out of sight — don’t leave them by the front door.

“If you have a bike, secure it in a shed or garage, making sure both the bike and the building it’s in are locked.

“Make sure the doors and windows of your home are locked, even when you’re in the house, as if you’re watching television you may not hear someone trying to break in.

“We have dedicated crime prevention officers who can offer advice, or people can contact their local neighbourhood officer, whose details are on our website at www.staffordshire.police.uk.

“If anyone saw anything suspicious at any of these locations, including people running away from the scene or security lights coming on, they should give us a call.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting the relevant incident number, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.

BURGLARIES REPORTED IN THE BURTON AREA IN THE LAST WEEK

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Branston Road, Burton (incident 696 of Feb 1) Offender entered house before 8.30pm, and stole an Xbox games console from the lounge.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3 The Belfry, Stretton (incident 487 of Feb 3) Offender broke into lean-to of house before 4.35pm and possibly overnight after entering via unlocked garden gate, stole a Specialized racing bike with an orange frame and white forks.

Essex Road, Stapenhill (incident 587 of Feb 3) Offender entered house via front door before 6.25pm and stole a black BMX bike.

Charnwood Road, Horninglow (incident 832 of Feb 3) Between 5.15pm and 10.45pm, offenders entered house via insecure front door and stole keys and two cars, a Mitsubishi Warrior and Audi TT, off driveway.

Riverside Hotel, Riverside Drive, Branston (incident 872 of Feb 3) Burglar holding what appeared to be a crowbar was disturbed in the manager’s office at around 11.55pm, having forced entry through a window and ran off, escaping across railway lines into Bramell Close.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Belvedere Road, Burton (incident 171 of Feb 5) Offender broke into shed overnight, nothing taken.

Swannington Street, Horninglow (incident 334 of Feb 5) Offender entered shed overnight by breaking padlock, stealing a mountain bike.

Branston Road, Burton (incident 404 of Feb 5) Some time before 3.30pm, offenders entered house though insecure ground floor window, stealing a Tom Tom satnav system and several other electrical items

Harbury Street, Horninglow (incident 449 of Feb 5) Offender broke into shed before 3.10pm and possibly overnight, stealing a spade.

Belvedere Road, Burton (incident 467 of Feb 5) Offender entered shed in back garden before 3.35pm and possibly during hours of darkness, and stole a racing bike and hammer.