Gloucestershire: 15 Arrests Over Burglary

20 December 2013, 17:22

15 people have been arrested in the past week as Gloucestershire Police officers tackle the issue of burglary in Cheltenham.

10 of the 15 arrests were made through Operation Spa, a two-part initiative in Cheltenham aiming to raise awareness of home security in the town alongside tactical operations to cause maximum disruption to criminals in the town and to bring burglars to justice. 

A 35-year old man from Cheltenham and 50 year-old man from Cheltenham were arrested and charged with theft. 

A 14-year-old boy from Cheltenham was arrested on suspicion of theft. 

A 14-year-old boy from Cheltenham was arrested on suspicion of burglary. 

An 18-year-old man from Gloucester was arrested and charged with burglary. 

A 14-year-old boy arrested and charged with aggravated Taking Without Consent(TWOC). 

A 36-year-old man from Cheltenham, a 36 year-old man from Bishops Cleeve and a 32-year-old woman from Cheltenham were arrested and charged with conspiracy to handle stolen goods and conspiracy to defraud. 

A 36-year-old man from Gloucester was arrested on suspicion of burglary. 

A 32-year-old man from Evesham and a 24-year-old man from Cheltenham were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal. The 32-year-old was also charged with 2 counts of burglary and 3 of shoplifting.

A 30-year-old man of No Fixed Abode was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class ‘A’ drug. 

A 38-year-old man from Brockworth was arrested on suspicion of theft of a caravan. 

Along with the above arrests, 24-year-old Paul Hammond of St Marks, Cheltenham was yesterday jailed for 3 years 9 months for four counts of burglary, one count of theft and three counts of shoplifting. 

The arrest of the 15 people has coincided with a significant drop in the number of burglaries in Cheltenham, with just one house burglary between 11.30am on December 19 and 11.30am today(December 19) 

Inspector Roddy Gosden said:

'This shows that Gloucestershire Police are committed to tackling the issue of burglary in Cheltenham. Officers have worked tirelessly to find those responsible and bring them to justice and it sends a clear message to those thinking of carrying out these types of crimes that we will find you and prosecute you. 

'We should remind residents that this time of year is appealing to would-be thieves and we urge everyone not to make themselves an easy target. Crime prevention advice can be found on our website.'