News and Events 

Saving money on Christmas presents could be a costly experience – West Berkshire

Friday 20 November 2009, 2:32pm

Do you worry about being burgled or think there are too many criminals on the street? Are you contributing to the problem without realising?

Have you been offered something on the cheap and bought it without asking too many questions? If so, you could be contributing to paying a criminal’s wage.

Recently there has been an increase in burglaries in the Hungerford, Kintbury and Inkpen areas. Jewellery, cash and electrical equipment has been stolen from the house burglaries and the main items stolen during the non-dwelling burglaries are tools and gardening equipment.

Supt Robin Rickard, Local Police Area (LPA) Commander, said: “We are working with the local authority in West Berkshire to identify burglars and bring them to justice.

“Just two weeks ago, a man was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment for burglary and this week a man was charged with burglary to homes in Kintbury. Another man was remanded to prison.

“While a lot of property that had been stolen was recovered from the men’s house, a considerable amount has not been found.

“If a deal looks too good to be true, then the chances are it probably is. We are keen to catch criminals and stop burglary in the area. It is Christmas time and we know how a good bargain might be an ideal Christmas present. But I would like to remind people that handling stolen goods is a criminal offence and can result in up to14 years’ imprisonment.

“If you buy stolen property, you are not only breaking the law and risking being charged with handling stolen property, but you are supporting criminals by paying a burglars wage.

“Burglaries can sometimes occur because the criminal thinks they will be able to steal something that they will be able to sell or trade in. If there was no market for stolen property, it is very likely that the number of burglaries that happen will decrease.

“The more people prepared to buy stolen property, the greater the local market. The more criminals will be operating in the area, the more victims there will be in the area – your area.This can increase the chance of you becoming a victim. It is all about supply and demand.

“Don’t be the one paying a burglars wage – refuse the item and report the incident to us with as much information as you are able to give.

If you are offered an item that could be stolen property then we need to know:

• who is trying to sell stolen property (a name, description or vehicle registration all help)
• where they are trying to sell it (car boot sale, pub, on the street)
• what they are trying to sell (this could help us link it to a specific burglary)

“Don’t forget, even a small piece of information may be the final piece in the jigsaw so don’t think it is not worth calling; we will be grateful for any information that you can give us.”

Please call Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505505 or call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can help us solve a crime, catch a criminal and make your community a safer place for you and your family.

Ends

Berkshire West Communications Team
0118 953 6191