Burglars targeted four homes in Birchington in one day last week, with many of the victims being elderly.
Kent Police is appealing for witnesses to the break-ins at Minnis Bay on Friday (October 13). They all took place during the morning or early afternoon and officers say they are linked..
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Heidi Collins said that on each occasion offenders had broken patio doors at the rear of the properties to gain access and had taken items of jewellery.
Break-ins
Intruders stole a number of items of gold and silver jewellery and a red leather jewellery box from a house in Grenham Bay Avenue.
Gold necklaces, a Canon camera and a Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner were taken from another house in Grenham Bay Avenue.
Burglars stole pearl earrings, gold rings and a black and red leather purse from a house in nearby Sea View Avenue, and approximately 15 rings were stolen from a house in St Mildred’s Avenue.
The owner of the property in St Mildred’s Avenue also later discovered that one of her 18 baby tortoises was missing.
Enquiries
Detective Sergeant Collins urged people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
She said: “We have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries and are following up a number of other lines of enquiry.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious people or vehicles. We would also like to hear from anyone who has been offered items of jewellery for sale.
“A number of the victims were elderly and many of the stolen pieces were of great sentimental value and, in some cases, irreplaceable. We are keen to catch the offenders.”
Can you help?
If you can help, please phone Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number ZY/49618/17.