Published date: 24 January 2017 |
Published by: Rory SheehanRead more articles by Rory Sheehan Email reporter
HEARTLESS criminals are targeting elderly residents in a hit of break-ins.
Wrexham rural inspector Steve Owens has asked members of the public to look out for their neighbours as callous thieves look to strike.
Overnight on Saturday, an 88-year-old man had his property damaged in what police believe was an attempted burglary.
And yesterday morning, an 81-year-old reported that their home in Brynteg had been broken into while they were away.
Insp Owens said: “The first burglary took place on Bridge Street in Holt.
”The occupant is 88-years-old and vulnerable. He was by himself and heard a loud noise at 3am.
“He went downstairs the following morning and saw glass in the hallway and that the kitchen window had been smashed.
“I don’t know why he’s been picked on but we are treating it as an attempted burglary.
“We’re doing all we can to support him.”
Insp Owens said officers were still investigating the other burglary.
“It was reported this morning. An intruder has entered the property while the occupant was away for the weekend,” he said.
”They are 81, vulnerable and an untidy search has taken place.
”We’re not sure what has been taken yet but we have started making forensic inquiries.
“It seems very random so we are not sure why this property has been targeted.”
He added: “What I would ask for is people to keep an eye out for their neighbours, especially if they are elderly and vulnerable.
“I ask members of the public that, if they hear anything or see anything, to act upon it straight away – don’t wait.
“If your neighbour next door is elderly or vulnerable, and you know they wouldn’t make that kind of noise, at that sort of time, then be vigilant.”
Insp Owens said properties with high performance cars on the drive were also being targeted.
A home in Ruthin Road, Coedpoeth, was broken into overnight on January 21.
He said: “The offenders have thrown a brick through the rear patio window.
”The chances are they are the same crew that have done other burglaries in the area as there was a Mercedes on the drive.”
At the same time three vehicles were taken from the Pentre Maelor area – a Volkswagen (which has since been recovered), a BMW and a Subaru.
High value cars are also being targeted in town centre areas too.
Sgt Laura Salisbury-Jones added that last week a property in Saxon Street, Hightown, with a BMW on the drive was targeted, and a BMW was taken from Goodwick Drive, Abenbury.
She said: “I ask residents to be vigilant as clearly high performance and high value cars are being targeted.
http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/171634/elderly-and-vulnerable-targeted-in-burglaries-warns-wrexham-s-rural-inspector.aspx
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