POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a burglary in Redditch in which an electric saw was used to cut through a UPVC door.

It happened in Martley Close, Woodrow, between Tuesday, January 7 and Monday, January 28.
The owner, who had been away, returned home to discover the bolt on a gate had beenunscrewed and a panel in the rear door had been sawn through.

Items taken included a laptop computer, 300 to 400 Euros, four rings – three of which had half sovereigns, a further ruby signet ring, a square faced leather watch, a silver necklace with blue coral featuring a steer’s head design, six bottles of malt whisky – three of which were Glenfiddich, and a bottle of champagne.

The offenders are likely to have made a considerable amount of noise getting into the house, and police would like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything during the last three weeks.

West Mercia Police’s website at westmercia.police.uk has an advice section which includes crime prevention tips on how to prevent access being gained to the rear of properties, such as keeping side gates locked, using high fencing, and planting prickly shrubs and bushes along boundaries.

It also has a new interactive feature, Citadel House, which shows people how to improve the security of their home and reduce the likelihood of burglary.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact DC O’Reilly on the non-emergency number 101 quoting incident 343-s-270114 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or contact Crimestoppers via the website crimestoppers-uk.org.