SPATE OF BURGLARIES ACROSS THE ISLAND

There have been a number of burglaries across the Island as Christmas fast approaches and Island residents are being reminded to take precautions. 

As previously reported by Island Echo, a property on Gaggerhill Lane in Brighstone was targeted on Saturday afternoon with two rings, passports and £500 cash stolen during the afternoon burglary.

Now it has emerged that on Monday a house in nearby Shorwell was burgled with a variety of Apple products, watches, a camera and some expensive shoes taken alongside jewellery and cash. It is thought the theft occurred sometime between 08:00 and 17:00.

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On Tuesday night another property was targeted, this time in Lind Street, Ryde. An Apple laptop, a Sony Vaio laptop and a number of Apple iPhones were all stolen.

A female was being sought in relation to a number of walk-in burglaries in the Sandown area also, however Police have apprehended a suspect.

For more information on staying safe this Christmas, visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/news-and-appeals/campaigns/safer-christmas/#at_home.

Leave it till the last minute to put Christmas presents out under the tree and don’t leave them in view of a window. If you are buying or receiving valuable gifts such as bikes, mobiles or electrical items register them for free at www.immobilise.com. Doing this can assist the police in returning your property should it be lost or stolen. Article continues below this advertisement If you receive any Apple products for Christmas, familiarise yourself with the Find My iPhone app, which can help you locate your electrical items if they are lost or stolen. For more information, visit Apple. Refrain from keeping large amounts of cash at home.

A secure home will reduce the chance of a burglary. Make sure windows and doors are locked and remove keys from sight every time you leave the house. When you go out at night make it appear that someone is home. Draw the curtains and leave a light on. You could always put a lamp or radio on a timer switch. Dispose of packaging carefully by breaking it down before putting it in the bin. Empty boxes left outside can advertise that you have nice new goods inside. Ensure your home contents insurance adequately covers the additional things that you have in your home over Christmas.