Droitwich burglaries: E-fit released (From Worcester News)

Droitwich burglaries: E-fit released

3:14pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News By Catherine Phillips, Reporter

THIS IS the e-fit of a man police want to speak to about a series of burglaries in Droitwich over the last six weeks.

Detectives have linked up to 12 break-ins that have occured in the town since September 1 mostly between Ombersley Way and The Holloway.

Many of the homes were targeted while people have been away on holiday and have led police to launch an operation to attempt to stop the spate.

The description of the e-fit was given after a man was spotted acting suspiciously near to where one of the burglaries took place.

He was described as white, in his 20s, about 6ft tall and of average build but overweight.

His hair was dark brown with short back and sides and side burns and he was wearing a dark-coloured coat, a light open necked top and dark trousers.

A number of items had been recovered from the Droitwich Barge Canal on Monday (October15) and police are investigating whether they are linked to any of the burglaries.

Detective Inspector Richard Rees, who leads the team tackling burglaries in south Worcestershire, said residents would have seen an increase in the number of patrols by officers and PCSOs.

"Droitwich is generally a safe and peaceful place, but we have seen a significant increase in the number of burglaries in the town recently.

"We are contacting local residents close to the burgled properties letting them know they are at a greater risk of being targeted themselves and advising them on how they can take steps to protect themselves.

"Also, my detectives are looking at the forensic evidence that links the burglaries, gathering intelligence from many sources and targeting known offenders in the area who we know handle stolen goods.”

He added that people who were due to go away should take steps to protect their home such as putting lights on a timer and asking a trusted neighbour to look after the home.

Anyone who recognises the man in the e-fit or had seen anything suspicious along the canal is asked to call the non-emergency police number 101.

Anyone who sees someone in their neighbourhood resembling the image and acting suspiciously should call police immediately on 999.

People looking for more information on how to protect their home should visit the Advice Centre at www.westmercia.police.uk or call West Mercia Police on 101.