Warning issued over burglaries

Residents have been urged to be vigilant after a significant increase in burglaries were reported in Southwell.

Southwell’s PCSO Richard Dunn told a meeting of Southwell Safer Neighbourhood Group that the number of burglaries had risen in December and January.

He said there had been around half a dozen reported.

He said: “It is the worst number in one month since a few years ago when there were six in one night.”

PCSO Dunn said items taken included jewellery, cash and electrical equipment.

Areas targeted included Trinity Road, Ash Tree Close and Landseer Road.

He said: “People have been leaving doors open and leaving significant amounts of cash in the house with the alarms unset.

“People shouldn’t get burgled and people shouldn’t be in their houses, but you have got to lock your door and set your alarm.

“People think it’s safe to leave the back door open but if they are going to be burgled it will be through the back rather than the front where they are going to be seen.”

PCSO Dunn said there had been reports of a white van driving around Southwell late at night, which was causing concern for some residents.

He said: “I am not saying these people are burgling but we have been getting contact from some concerned residents.”

Mr Peter Harris, the chairman of the safer neighbourhood group, said scrap dealers were now required to have a licence from Newark and Sherwood District Council which should be on display or they should be able to produce.

PCSO Dunn said anyone who saw vehicles acting suspiciously should contact the police on 101 but if a crime was in progress they should call 999.