Detectives investigating several burglaries in Chesterfield, Dronfield, and Shirebrook are reminding homeowners to make sure their homes are as secure as possible and not to leave high value items on display.
Our advice comes after ten burglaries occurred between 8am on Monday 1 May and 4.20am on Wednesday 3 May in a number of locations across Chesterfield, Dronfield, Hasland, and Shirebrook.
Items taken include jewellery, a television, and a laptop.
During one of the incidents, at a property in The Spinney in Shirebrook, the homeowner woke to find three men in her house demanding money, before leaving with cash and jewellery. The elderly lady wasn’t physically hurt during the incident but was left extremely shaken.
Detective Inspector Viki Ellis, who leads the team investigating the burglaries, said: “With the number of incidents happening in a short space of time, I understand that it can be worrying for the local community, however, there is a team of detectives who are working hard to find those responsible.
“While we are doing all we can to bring the criminals to justice, there are a number of steps you can take, as homeowners, to keep your property as secure as possible. These include keeping the items you value the highest out of view, keeping all doors and windows as secure as possible no matter if you’re in or out of the house, and reporting anything suspicious to us as quickly as possible.”
“We have a dedicated team of detectives working around the clock to catch those responsible.”
Other steps homeowners can take include:
- Keep valuables out of sight and out of reach of cat flaps, letterboxes, downstairs doors and windows.
- Use outdoor security lighting.
- Make your home look occupied when you are out – draw your curtains, leave a lamp on or leave a radio playing.
- If it will be dark before you get home, set your lights on timers.
- Consider fitting a burglar alarm – make sure it is installed properly by a reputable firm and is working. Also remember to set it before you leave home, or if you’re going to sleep.
- Keep gates, garages, sheds or outbuildings secure.
- What’s in your garden that could potentially aid a burglar? Lock away ladders and gardening tools to prevent them being used to access your home.
- Never leave a spare key outside of your house – burglars know the usual hiding spots.
- Consider installing a video doorbell or CCTV to help you know who’s outside your property.
If you do have information about the incidents that will help officers with their enquiries, you can contact Police, quoting reference number 23*265128, using any of the methods below.
- Facebook– send us a private message to our Facebook page
- Twitter– direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
- Website– We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form
- Phone – call us on 101
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.
