RESIDENTS of Appleton have been warned to be extra vigilant following a sharp increase in the number of burglaries by thieves targeting high powered and expensive cars.
Parish Council members heard that nine burglaries and two attempted burglaries had taken place in the area over the previous four weeks. Only one burglary took place the month before.
Unmarked police cars are now patrolling Appleton to try to catch the culprits – suspected to be a gang who are looking for opportunities to steal expensive cars.
A dedicated police team is also looking at all the intelligence they have gathered from residents who have already been targets.
Police Community Support Officer Ben Scholte said: “This report is unsettling but as long as residents take the right precautions there is no need for alarm.
“Make sure everything is locked away. If you have a garage, make sure that you put your car in it, especially if you own a high powered, expensive vehicle.
“Leave a light on if you’re going out. If you’re going on holiday, ask a neighbour to check the house, draw the curtains at night and make sure that the post doesn’t mount up.
“Once these criminals are caught we expect to see the burglary rate drop back down to normal levels.”
