Police are urging people living in Bradley Stoke and Little Stoke to make sure doors and windows are secured after reports of an early-morning prowler.
Officers were called to two incidents yesterday morning (Wednesday 18th January) in which householders spotted a man in their gardens.
A man was seen in a garden in Elm Close, Little Stoke, at about 6:45am. He made off when the householder shouted at him.
A second, similar, incident happened in Oaktree Crescent, Bradley Stoke, at about 8:50am.
Neighbourhood PC Steve Palmer said:
“Officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries and patrols in response to these reports. At the moment it’s not certain the incidents are linked, but we are keeping an open mind.”
“There has been no attempt to get into any home, but I’d ask people to be vigilant, make sure side gates are secured and keep doors and windows locked.”
“Don’t leave the door unlocked when you leave for work or to take children to school, even though another family member is still at home.”
PC Palmer said police had a arrested a man in connection with a similar incident in Bradley Stoke in November but following further enquiries he had been released without charge.
Officers are increasing their patrols of the area at the relevant times and are circulating a warning through Neighbourhood Watch.
The man seen in Elm Close was described as white, aged 30 to 40, about 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build. He wore jeans, a blue top, black jacket and a balaclava.
The description of the man in Oaktree Crescent was of a man wearing a dark hoodie.
The man seen in the incident in November was said to be white, in his late 20s or early 30s, about 5ft 11ins, of muscular build, wearing a raised hooded top to cover his face.
Anyone with any information which could help police enquiries is asked to contact Filton Police Station on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Apparently there were 7 attempted break in’s last night in Winsbury Way. Scum of the earth these people are,
Avon and Somerset Police say three similar incidents of prowlers being spotted in the Bradley Stoke area were reported in the early hours today (Friday 20th January).
“Police enquiries are ongoing and the advice remains to make sure doors and windows are secured.”
“If you see anyone suspicious trying to again access to the rear gardens of homes call police immediately.”
Read more: Further incidents of a prowler reported in Bradley Stoke
A further report just in from Avon and Somerset Police:
Police are appealing for witnesses and information after attempts to break into a number of garages in the area of Elm Close, Little Stoke.
Around half a dozen reports have come in of damage to garage doors happening overnight January 17-18 and 18-19 2012.
In most cases no entry was gained and nothing stolen.
Neighbourhood officers remind householders to ensure garages and sheds are sturdy and securely locked.
Officers recommend ‘Sold Secure’ standard locks are used and say that so-called ‘shed alarms’ can be fitted inexpensively.
Thieves often target sheds and garages for bicycles, so lock them up with a Sold Secure chain and anchor point within the building. You should also mark them with your postcode and register them at http://www.immobilise.com.
Anyone with any information which could help police enquiries is asked to call police on 101. Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.
this has also happened in orion drive (just around the corner from elm close) on the 17th january 2012 garage doors and shed doors where cut open with bolt cutters but again nothing taken but this was noticed between the hours of 16:30 – 21.00
Break in and burglary in manor farm/crofters walk area as well. Police do something.
Story in today’s Bristol Evening Post:
“He was standing on top of a wheelie bin and pulling himself onto the porch. I screamed at him at the top of my voice and he got down and ran off. I went after him but he was very fast on his feet.”
Read more: Passer-by scares off early morning prowler