Two houses in Leicester burgled
Officers in Loughborough are appealing for witnesses after two student houses were burgled last weekend.
The incidents happened within a day of each other and officers believe that there is a possibility that the two are linked.
The first incident happened in Leopold Street sometime between 7.45pm and 8pm on Friday January 22, when the occupants of the house returned home to find some of their property was missing.
Upon further investigation it was found that five iPods, four laptops, one computer, two games consoles, two sets of speakers, one Pure radio, one Radley purse and a white ceramic Chanel watch had been taken from the house.
A brown leather bag and a black suitcase were also taken in the burglary. It is believed that these were used to carry some of the stolen property from the house.
The second burglary happened the following night in Oxford Street at about 8.30pm.
The occupants heard a noise upstairs in the house but they thought it was the water pipes. Sometime later they went upstairs and found a search had been made and some of their property had been taken.
Stolen in the burglary were four laptops, one iPod and one iPhone, a silver Tiffany bracelet, a Vivitar digital camera and a wallet containing a small amount of cash.
Detective Constable Phillip Lilley, the officer investigating the incidents, said: “A lot of property was taken in the burglaries with a value totalling quite a large sum of money and being in full time education will make it difficult for the victims to replace them.
“We have since given the victims window alarms but would like anyone who has information about the burglaries or suspects to contact us.
“It is likely that the suspect or suspects will now try and sell the stolen items. If you are approached by anyone who is selling items like the ones above, who you are suspicious of, please call us.
“I would like to take this opportunity to offer students in Loughborough and Leicester some advice on how to keep their homes and property safe whilst they are at University.
“Leaving your doors and windows open when you are not in your room or house is an open invite to any thief. Make sure you leave all windows and doors secure every time you go out. It is also a good idea to make sure that valuables such as televisions and laptops can’t be seen from the outside. When it is dark close your curtains and leave and try to leave a light on.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 1551 Philip Lilley on 0116 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officers identification number 1551. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.
* Please note, some mobile phone service providers may charge for this call.
Issued on 27/01/10 at 13:46
Crime reference number: NL/00458/10-0 and NL/00484/10-0
