Day-time burglar targets Dundonald area
Police are appealing for witnesses after a spate of seven day-time house burglaries in the Dundonald area of Wimbledon.
All have taken place in the last two weeks in the "Apostle" roads, Oxford Avenue and Gladstone Road.
There have been two in Gladstone Road, and police believe they were caused by the same man. He was disturbed when the owner returned to her house at 1.15pm on Friday August 27.
A local builder gave chase, but the man was last seen in Russell Road, heading towards Kingston Road. His description is: A light-skinned black male, aged in his 30s, around 6ft 2ins tall, of stocky build, clean-shaven, with close cropped hair. He was wearing a dark brown/black denim jacket, dark jeans/combats and was carrying a satchel.
Sergeant Jeff New said: "I would appeal for anyone who saw this male at the time of the incident, who has not already spoken to police, to contact us. The team, assisted by other local officers, are focusing their attentions on patrolling the area in both uniform and plain clothes to catch this individual.
"If you see anyone behaving suspiciously in your area please report it immediately via 999. It could be someone trying doors, looking through windows, jumping fences, knocking doors to ask trivial questions - anything that doesn’t seem quite right. Trust your instincts."
He reminded residents to check their home security and said Merton council was now funding 45% of the costs of alley gates, although people with shared access would need to give their consent.
He added: "Whilst security alarms are a good deterrent there are cheaper considerations such as installing trellis on the top of fences and ensuring that rear gates and sheds are left secured with sturdy locks.
"Tools left lying around or unsecured in your shed can be used to break into your house or as in the case of a recent break in your neighbour’s property. If you are visited by any unsolicited trade people then please ensure that you check their credentials and photo ID properly."
September 7, 2010