Police warning after spate of burglaries in Lincoln West End

Lincolnshire Police are warning residents in the West End area of Lincoln to be vigilant after a spate of more than 11 burglaries in the past weeks.

Homes in Spital Street, Sherbrooke Street, Chelmsford Street, Richmond Road and Avenue Terrace in Lincoln have been burgled recently.

These burglaries were committed at various times of the day and night and entry to the properties has been gained mainly through the rear of the properties, via unlocked doors and windows.

On a few occasions a brick or garden tool have been used to smash a window to gain entry.

A variety of items were stolen, including handbags, laptops, jewellery, video games consoles, smartphones, music players and tablets.

In the Richmond Road burglary, car keys were also taken and used to unlock the vehicle, but the car wasn’t stolen.

PCSO Mel Waldren from Carholme Neighbourhood Policing Team has advised residents to remove all items from their rear gardens that could be used by offenders to gain entry to a property.

She said: “Lock all doors and windows, removing the keys from the inside after doing so. Lock garden gates and shared passage doors. Don’t leave items of value on display in easy view of your windows.

“If you are living in shared accommodation please lock the door when leaving, even if there is another tenant in the property. Speak to your neighbours and make them aware to keep a watchful eye on properties around them.”

Officers urged people to report any suspicious individuals or activity that seem to be loitering in the area, or seen around the rear of properties.

Anyone with information about these or any other burglaries is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101. Alternatively, contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.