Police have stepped up patrols in Pilning after burglaries and attempted break-ins at homes and outbuildings.

Seven incidents were reported overnight Wednesday July 09 to Thursday July 10 2008 in the New Passage Road area.

Three homes had patio doors damaged by thieves trying and failing to gain entry.

Thieves did manage to get into one house through the patio doors and stole a JVC television and amplifier.

One garage was broken into by forcing the garden gate and garage window and tools were stolen.

Thieves also forced the door to a second garage and then got into another outbuilding at the same property to take a £200 blue mountain bike.

A third garage was broken into and a Honda CRF50 child's off-road motorcycle stolen along with tools.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Steve Ives said: "Thankfully the thieves were not able to get into many of the homes. The break-ins are all now being investigated by our burglary team and Crime Scene Investigators have examined the properties.

"We have stepped up patrols but would urge anyone living in more rural areas to make sure they lock-up securely and set their alarms at night as well as when they go out. Pilning and other rural parts of the Filton Neighbourhood Area are safe places to live, but these incidents are a reminder that we should never become complacent about security."

PS Ives urged people to check the security of their fences, gates and outbuildings.

The key advice is:
· Fit good quality hinges and locks to sheds (see picture)
· Put a builders' band across any windows
· Fit a motion-sensing shed/outbuilding alarm
· Fit a strip of metal inside the top of an up-and-over garage door
· Fit a 'garage defender' (a device which bolts to the ground and prevents the door being opened) or garage door bolts.
· Bolt an anchor plate to the floor and use a high-quality chain to secure bikes, trailers and garden equipment within the shed or garage
· Always choose security products which are endorsed by Sold Secure or Thatcham
· Ensure garden boundaries are secure with good quality gates, hinges and locks

There is plenty more home security advice on the police website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.

Anyone who has any information about these burglaries, or who spots anyone acting suspiciously in rural areas, is asked to contact Filton Police Station on 0845 456 7000 or call the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Calls to Crimestoppers could lead to a reward.

http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/LocalPages/NewsDetails.aspx?nsid=13530&t=1&lid=2

show details 2:16 PM (2 hours ago)

Reply

This is a crime call to inform you that there was a theft in Church Road overnight on the 10-11th July.

Unknown offender(s) gained access to scaffolding and removed a manual hoist.

Please ask residents to report any suspicious activity on 0845 456 7000 and to call 999 if a crime is in progress.

Police are appealing for information after a horse was stolen from a field at Alberton Lane, Hallen, overnight Wednesday July 09 to Thursday July 10 2008.

The horse (pictured) is a 13.3 hands cream-coloured cob described as 'chunky'. He has a distinctive dark-coloured tear-drop mark under his eye, blue patches on his chest and a sun-burnt nose. The horse has been micro-chipped.

Anyone with any information about the theft of this animal is asked to call police on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively they can call the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 and could qualify for a reward.

Source A&SP

On 3rd July unknown offenders stole a securely parked MGBGT from Beach Road, SB. The offender(s) entered the property through an unlocked door and stole the keys. Residents please ensure your homes are secure  and report any suspicious activity to the police on 08454567000 or if a crime is in progress 999. Between 9 -11th July 3 incidents occurred in New Passage Road. 1. Unknown offender(s) attempted to gain entry to property by forcing rear UPVC patio door handle. Damage caused but no entry gained. 2. Unknown offender(s) have gained entry to rear of property by breaking metal padlock on side gate. Unknown implement used to force open the garage UPVC window. Not known if anything stolen as yet. 3. Unknown offender(s) have gained entry to a garage by removing a side door that was previously damaged. Search made and a child's off-road motor bike stolen. A wooden shed was also entered through the main door as the key had been left in the lock!! A search made and a number of tools stolen. Please check and lock up properly, and do not leave keys on show.