Witnesses sought after three Thame burglaries (Status: Press release)

THE Police are appealing for witnesses after three burglaries in Thame.

Between 2am (7/3/10) and 7am (8/3/10) a house in Hamilton Road was burgled and thieves stole items including a laptop, handbag and some cash.

On the same night, a house in Ormond Drive was also burgled and a purse, mobile phones and car keys were stolen. The thieves then stole a Ford Focus ST from the drive.

Between 5am and 7.30am this morning (8/3/10) a house in Clarendon Road was burgled and items, including a passport, laptop, handbag and camera were stolen.

PC Emma McGrath, investigating the incidents, said: ?I urge anyone who might have seen any suspicious activity, or has any information about these burglaries, to contact me.

?Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves. In two out of ten burglaries, they don?t even have to use excess force; they manage to get in through an open door or window. If doors aren?t locked properly, especially UPVC doors, the thieves can use an implement through the letterbox to open the door.

?Reduce the risk of your home being burgled by making sure you take some simple and inexpensive precautions. Take action now and don?t become a victim of burglary over the coming days.?

Here is a security checklist:

? Fit five-lever mortise deadlocks (BS3621) to all front and back doors and locks to all downstairs windows and windows which are easy to reach.
? Keep your house and car keys safe and away from doors and windows.
? If you have a burglar alarm make sure it is installed properly and works.
? When you are away from home, use timer switches to turn some lights or a radio on when it is dark.
? Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries when you go away.
? Keep your garage and garden shed locked with proper security locks, and keep any tools secure and out of sight.
? Trim hedges and plants that a burglar could hide behind.
? Make sure you have up-to-date contents insurance.

If you have any information about these incidents and you do not want to talk to police you can call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 and remain anonymous.