Published date: 15 November 2016 |
Engagement rings, fishing equipment, a safe and even an out-of-date crate of beer are among the dozens of items stolen from a community in the last three months
Online Watch Link (OWL) has released an inventory of items totalling thousands of pounds taken from properties in the Hope area since August, ranging from fly-fishing tackle to a pig shaped money box.
The most recent instance was the theft of jewellery and a 42-inch TV from a property on Fagl Lane, Hope, between November 5 and 8.
Thieves broke through gates and entered the conservatory of a property to make off with the items.
Despite the lengthy list of stolen goods, Hope Community Council chairman and Neighbourhood Watch member Cllr Lynn Davies attempted to play down fears the village was a hotbed for burglaries.
She said: “We get information from the police about these types of incidents every month and at one time we were probably seeing less than anywhere else.
“However from time to time, these incidents do crop up.
“Obviously we're concerned but we're no worse off than anywhere else.
“But it is alarming when you hear about it.”
The list of goods released by OWL detailed how 45 items of fishing tackle have been taken illegally since August, including fly rods, sun glasses and chest waders.
Also stolen were an 18-carat gold engagement ring, adorned with six diamonds and emeralds; a nine-carat gold eternity ring; a man’s and woman's wedding rings as well as a watch and a brooch.
Less conventional items were also targeted by burglars during the last three months, including a three-foot medieval sword, 25 sets of labelled keys in a Tupperware container, an airbed and 24 cans of out-of-date lager.
Cllr Christine Cunnah said the Community Council could consider creating extra deterrents to ensure burglaries do not increase during the winter months.
She said: “We're very concerned as the dark nights are drawing in.
“One lady I know has been through a burglary and had units pulled off her walls. The intruders also attempted to flood her kitchen so it's not just the threat of having things taken, it's the stress of the damage too.
“The community council has looked into investing in security cameras to deter thieves and combat anti-social behaviour.
“If burglaries are becoming more of an issue again, it's certainly something we'll have to look into.”
Cllr Cunnah added that family heirlooms targeted by thieves were almost impossible to replace.
“It's very, very distressing,” she said.
“It's very worrying for the community and we'll be speaking to our community police officer about this.
“Maybe we could do with more police in the area as we do have some secluded spots around.
“People need to be vigilant and it can be very fearful for residents of any age.
“Items like jewellery are so precious and irreplaceable. Insurance doesn’t always cover it.
“It's devastating.”
A North Wales Police spokesman urged residents to be vigilant towards anybody approaching them looking to sell seemingly suspicious items.
Anyone with information relating to any of the goods taken from properties in the Hope area in the last three months is asked to call 101 and quote reference RC16169846.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers Wales on 0800 555 111.
http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/169110/revealed-the-strange-list-of-items-stolen-from-flintshire-village-in-last-12-weeks.aspx
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