A man from Liverpool is due in court today, Tuesday 1st August, charged with burglary and other offences which happened in Bath, Long Ashton and Portishead earlier this year.
Photo courtesy of Avon & Somerset Police
Anthony Whelan, 50, of Liverpool, will appear before Bristol Magistrates charged with:
- A burglary in Bath in January in which high-value jewellery was stolen;
- The theft of a Mercedes from Long Ashton in February;
- A burglary in Portishead in March in which high-value jewellery was stolen;
- The theft of two vehicles from Long Ashton in March;
- Possession of amphetamine and cannabis resin.
The court appearance follows his arrest in Cheshire on Sunday 30th July.
The police website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk, has lots of information about deterring burglars, including:
- keeping tools locked up in a secure shed or garage
- making sure garden furniture and wheelie bins can’t be moved to gain access to upstairs windows
- locking up and setting the alarm at night as well as when you go out
- hiding your keys and handbag or wallet safely out of sight
- never leaving keys in the back of the door or window
- keeping photographs and a description of items with sentimental value
- using a traceable asset marking liquid on jewellery or antiques
Previously officers have recommended keeping valuables in a safe, but the thieves have changed their methods and started stealing whole safes. Now police advice is to keep high-value jewellery with a specialist secure storage company.
Remember, if you see someone acting suspiciously around a neighbour’s property, call the police straight away. If they’re obviously breaking in, ring 999. Otherwise, call the non-emergency number 101: police operators are on hand 24/7.
