Police have issued an alert after a burglary in Bradley Stoke in which the intruders claimed to be police officers.
It happened at a house in Ellen Hay Road at about 4pm on Wednesday 17th December.
The occupants disturbed two men in the property. These men then claimed to be police responding to a burglary. They were not in uniform, did not show any identification, and left soon afterwards.
The householders then found that doors within the house had been damaged, and watches and cash stolen. Police officers attended and carried out an initial investigation, and Neighbourhood Watch sent out an alert.
Criminals may claim to be police officers or from utility companies to lull people into a false sense of security. Any genuine police officer – or other professional visiting your home – will expect to show you identification and to wait while you call 101 – or their main switchboard – to verify it if you’re unsure.
Please make your family or friends aware of this, and if you see someone acting suspiciously at a neighbour’s property call us straight away. Ring 999 if a crime is being committed, otherwise call 101.
Enquiries continue. Officers are asking for anyone who was in Ellen Hay Road between 3.45 and 4.15pm on Wednesday who saw anything suspicious, or has dashcam or other relevant footage, to get in touch. If you have any information which could help, please call 101 and give the reference 5225354253. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously by ringing 0800 555 111.
You can visit the police website for home security advice: https://orlo.uk/dtujN
Witness appeal after collision
Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious collision between a bicycle and a car in Bradley Stoke earlier this month.
It happened at about 8pm on Thursday 4 December, at the Brook Way Roundabout, and involved a black Mercedes CLA 220.
The cyclist, a teenage boy, sustained a broken arm and other leg injuries which required hospital treatment. He has since been discharged home to continue his recovery.
Officers investigating the collision have spoken with the driver of the car and are now appealing for anyone with any dashcam footage of the collision or anyone else who witnessed the incident to come forward.
If you can help, please call 101 and use the reference number 5225341149.