Northampton: Police Link Burglaries

16 November 2013, 06:00

Police are appealing for information following a series of robberies in Northampton.

Detectives have told Heart they are linking six robberies reported since 18 October, which happened in the following locations:

• Lauderdale Avenue – Friday, 18 October, between 7pm and 7.30pm
• Dallington Haven – Wednesday, 30 October, between 8pm and 9pm
• Ringway – Thursday, 31 October, between 10pm and 10.20pm
• Abbey Street – Monday, 4 November, between 11am and 11.25am
• Spencer Haven – Tuesday, 5 November, between 10am and 10.30am
• Brook Lane – Tuesday, 12 November, between 7am and 7.10am

In five of the incidents, the victims, who were all aged between 63 and 87, answered their doors to a caller.

When they opened door, the offenders pushed past them into the house. The victims were then restrained and cash and other small items, including watches and jewellery, were stolen.

In one of the robberies, in Dallington Haven, the offenders broke in through a downstairs window.

In the majority of incidents, there were two offenders, both white men, aged between 20 and 40. They were both wearing dark clothing and had their faces covered. 

Extra patrols

Inspector Ali Rae told Heart "Officers will be carrying out increased patrols in the area and is warning people to be vigilant. These crimes have been very upsetting for the victims and I would urge people to take extra care if they get an unexpected caller.

Please make sure that front and back doors are locked at all times, and windows are closed, even when you’re at home. And, if someone calls at your house that you don’t know and are not expecting, don’t even open the door. If you are suspicious, call the police on 999.

I would also ask people to call us if they have any information about who may be committing these crimes and also report any suspicious activity they may see.

But above all, please follow the simple advice if you get an unexpected caller – ‘if you’re not sure, don’t open the door’."

Witnesses to any of these incidents, or anyone with information, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Officers would also like to speak to anyone who has recently been offered watches or jewellery for sale.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.