Nottinghamshire Police doubt incidents of vehicles being broken into in Balderton area are linked

Police insist there is ‘no evidence’ to say a series of crimes to hit one neighbourhood are linked – despite fears from residents that they are being targeted by a crime ring.

Multiple vehicles were stolen in January around the Hawton Lane area of Balderton – and two vehicle thefts occurred just eight doors and several days apart from each other.

On one occasion a CCTV camera was said to have been tampered with before a vehicle was taken from its owner’s driveway, while another neighbor found a tracking device on their vehicle.

Houses have also been broken into with residents reporting suspects wearing back packs and clad in balaclavas.

In another incident, a commercial van was severely damaged as the side of it was torn down in an attempted break-in in Main Street. Nothing was taken on this occasion.

Responding to queries about crime in the area, a Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said: “Officers attended Crocus Close, Balderton, following reports a property had been burgled, on November 8, 2023,” said a spokesman from Nottinghamshire Police.

“Around £1,000 worth of items were reportedly taken, including jewellery, clothes and electronic items.

“The incident reportedly took place at some point between 3pm and 3.30pm that day.

“Three suspects, Luis Rojas, 30, Fredy Torres-Castaneda, 42, and Siomara Henao-Ruiz, 27 – all of no fixed address – were later charged with burglary.

“Police also received separate reports of a van being stolen from outside a house in Hawton Lane, Balderton, on January 22, 2024.

“The incident took place around 12.50am that day, with the vehicle being recovered nearby a few hours later.

“No arrests have been made in connection with this incident and inquiries are still ongoing.

“Police are also aware of other reported incidents of vehicles being broken into in the Balderton area, but there is no evidence to suggest these incidents are linked.”