Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses and information after two daytime burglaries in the Newbridge and Weston areas of Bath on Friday 9th June.
Thieves broke into a house in the Park Lane area of Lower Weston between 8.30am and 3pm and stole a Rolex Lady-Datejust, with a white and yellow bracelet and white face with gold lettering.
They also took a safe containing jewellery, including a ring set with an oval ruby surrounded by diamonds, a diamond cross on a snake chain, a pearl drop pendant with a diamond and a man’s 18 carat gold Saint Christopher pendant as well as a 1960’s Leica camera in a leather case.
In the other break-in, a family returned home at about 5.45pm to find the house in Rosslyn Road, Newbridge, had been burgled. A Panerai-make watch was stolen.
Officers investigating the break-ins have been given the descriptions of two men who were seen acting suspiciously in the city that afternoon.
They were both described as white and aged in their teens or 20s. Both wore dark-coloured hoodies and while one was said to be “skinny” the other was described as “chubby”.
DC Alastair Binnie said: “It’s obviously unusual for us to have two daytime burglaries in Bath and we’re keeping an open mind about whether these crimes are linked.
“I’d like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the Lower Weston or Newbridge areas on Friday.”
Anyone with any information can get in touch with DC Binnie through the police website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact, or by calling 101, quoting 5217129743 (Lower Weston) or 5217129647 (Newbridge).
Alternatively ring the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call. You could qualify for a reward and still remain anonymous.
Following a trend of burglars targeting cash and high-value jewellery, a team of officers is now dedicated to thoroughly investigating these offences.
Police advice is to keep high-value jewellery with a secure storage company and cash in the bank, rather than at home, following a number of incidents in which entire safes have been stolen.
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 – operators are on hand 24/7.