More than ten areas in and around Chesterfield targeted in spate of burglaries

Homes across the area, including in New Whittington, Loundsley Green, Brockwell, Birdholme, Wingerworth, North Wingfield, Shirland, Higham, Dronfield, Bolsover and Langwith Junction have all been targeted during the past few weeks.

Five burglaries are reported to have taken place during the late afternoon and evening of Tuesday, December 17 on Rydal Crescent and Lindale Road in Newbold, on Queen Mary Road at Brampton, Yew Tree Drive at Somersall and Berwick Close at Walton.

Officers are carrying out inquiries, and would like to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious.

In most of the incidents jewellery and money has been stolen, so people are asked to look out for people selling jewellery cheaply or in large bundles and to contact the police.

Inspector Kara Butler, who is in charge of the North Neighbourhood Safeguarding Team, said: “Inquiries are currently ongoing into these reports and patrols are being stepped up to help us prevent and deter crimes and also try and catch those responsible.

“The darker evenings do make it is easier to spot which homes are empty so we would urge people to think about security and help reduce the risk of their homes and valuables being targeted.”

Insp. Butler added: “The best, and possibly the easiest, things you can do is to always make sure your doors and windows are locked shut, to leave a light or lamp on an automatic timer and if you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set.

“Any valuables or Christmas presents should be hidden and not easily to spot from the outside.

“We don’t want people to feel alarmed, but to be alert and security conscious. It’s easy to think it will never happen to you, but please don’t be complacent and help us to keep your home safe at this time of year by taking a few extra precautions.”

If you have any information that could help, call police on 101.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.