14th January 2009
Detectives appeal for witnesses after burglaries in Petersfield and Greatham
Detectives in Alton are appealing for witnesses after a series of burglaries in Petersfield and Greatham on Saturday, January 10.
At around 4.40pm four men claiming to be police officers gained access to a home in Readon Close. Once inside they stole a handbag belonging to the elderly occupant of the address.
Following this incident a further three properties in Greatham were burgled and two more were the subject of attempted burglaries.
Four of these took place in Bakers Field between 7.30pm and 9pm and the other happened in Longmoor Road at around 6.30pm.
Jewellery and cash was stolen from the three addresses.
During each burglary youths aged between 17 and 20 were seen travelling in a dark coloured car.
One of the youths is described as:
- White
- Male
- Slim build
- 5ft 4ins tall
- Clean shaven
- Wearing a light coloured top and a grey baseball cap
Another is described as:
- White
- Male
- 5ft 10ins tall
- Skinny build
- Clean shaven
- Wearing a red woolly hat.
Two other young men were also seen wearing light coloured jackets.
Detective Constable Rebecca Green, of Alton CID, said: “We are appealing to members of the public who may have seen something to contact us."
“A series of despicable crimes like this is very rare in East Hampshire and these incidents will be investigated to the highest possible standards."
“Our Safer Neighbourhoods Teams have increased their patrols in the area and are working with partner agencies to reassure people in the community."
“We would ask anyone who saw a group of youths matching the descriptions or a dark coloured car in the area at the time to contact police as soon as possible.”
Hampshire Constabulary offers the following Safer Homes advice:
- Stop – are you expecting anyone to call on you? Do you know the person at the door? Don’t be misled by what appear to be genuine reasons for calling on you.
- Chain – fit a door chain or spy hole so that you can speak to callers or check who they are without opening the door fully.
- Check – A genuine caller will carry identification and will be happy to wait outside while you check it. Remember to source your own number for the company they are claiming to be from.
Burglars can make you believe they are genuine callers. Don't invite them in. If in doubt, keep them out!
Anyone with information about the incidents should contact Det Con Green at Alton police station on 0845 045 45 45 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For more information about policing in your area visit the local policing pages of Hampshire Constabulary at www.hampshire.police.uk.