Staffordshire Police has issued a public appeal asking householders to make sure windows and external doors are secured after a number of burglaries and attempted burglaries in recent days. Officers say the incidents are connected to the spell of warmer weather, when some people leave openings to cool their homes.
What happened
Detectives say several houses were entered and two vehicles were stolen from drives in Staffordshire on Monday night into the early hours of Tuesday.
| Date | Location | Incident |
|---|---|---|
| 20 July | Moreton Lane, Kingsley (Moorlands) | Mazda taken after keys were taken from inside following entry via a window (approx. 3.40am) |
| 20 July | Elmwood Drive, Blythe Bridge | Keys for a Ford Kuga taken and vehicle driven off (approx. 2.20am); car later found abandoned in Caverswall with flat tyre |
| Late July | Burrington Drive, Trentham; Princess Drive, Weston Coyney; Stanier Street, Fenton; Bridle Path, Werrington | Reports of similar offences or attempted entries |
A force spokesperson said officers from the Criminal Investigation Department are continuing inquiries and local policing teams are carrying out proactive patrols to identify those responsible.
"Thieves appear to be looking for easy targets where windows are left open and entry points are left insecure as more people across Staffordshire try to keep their homes cool during the warmer weather."
Advice for residents
Police are reminding people to take simple precautions that can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of opportunist crime:
- Close and lock windows and doors when leaving the home or going to bed.
- Keep keys out of sight and avoid leaving them on hall tables or near accessible windows.
- Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately and note vehicle details or descriptions if it is safe to do so.
Officers emphasised that locking windows is important even if they are only shut in the evenings, as people sometimes forget to engage the locks. For comprehensive guidance on securing properties and reducing the risk of burglary, the force directs residents to its official online advice pages.
The force investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact Staffordshire Police. Local vigils and patrols have been increased while enquiries continue.
Keeping homes secure remains the most effective immediate step residents can take to deter those targeting properties during warm weather.
