Police Warning After Spate Of Tool Burglaries

21 May 2011, 08:46 | Updated: 21 May 2011, 08:49

Police are issuing advice after a number of burglaries for metal and tools in St Albans and Harpenden at houses which are being renovated.

The most recent incident happened on Rothamsted Avenue in Harpenden between 8.10pm and 8.20pm on Wednesday (May 18). Three offenders have stolen copper piping from the building by removing it from the walls before being disturbed by the occupant.

There was also a similar incident overnight between May 16 and 17 on Pondswick Close in St Albans. One or more offenders have taken three pairs of site safety Wellingtons.

Two further incidents happened this month on Avenue Road in St Albans between 4.30pm and 5pm on May 10, and on Gurney Court Road in St Albans overnight between May 4 and 5. Power tools were taken in the second crime.

During April there was a burglary on Dellfield in the city between April 30 and May 2, and between 14 and 15 April in Sandridge, St Albans, a number of power tools were taken from a house.

Detective Sergeant Nina Winfield, investigating, said: “I would like to remind residents to ensure their properties are secure at all times, particularly if they are having renovation work done.

“The combination of high-value power tools and renovation materials like copper pipping left insecurely in homes which are often empty while being renovated is an open invitation for burglars. We are urging residents not to make themselves easy targets in this way.”

She added: “These burglaries above may be linked, but I would also like to encourage anyone if they have any information around them to come forward.”

Police are issuing the following advice:

  • Keep premises secure when not working on them and arrange for security during the night where possible.
  • Be alert and report any suspicious activity you see during the day.
  • Make others who are working on the site aware of being security conscious.
  • Remove tools and other equipment of high value from the site, where possible. 
     

Anyone with any information on this crime should ring DS Winfield via the non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers (an independent charity) anonymously on 0800 555111.