Police warn of burglars in Portishead

Police in Portishead have praised local residents for helping them to arrest two people on suspicion of attempted burglary and are asking for more information.

On Saturday, January 19, two men were arrested in Down Road, after members of the public spotted them acting suspiciously near a house and contacted police.

Footmarks left by one of the offenders in the snow appeared to lead to the back doors of two other properties in the street. 

Nearby in Battery Lane, another householder disturbed someone in their back garden and called the police.

Police think the incidents may be linked and would be interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen or disturbed someone acting suspiciously on their property on Saturday, January 19.

Detective constable Steve Webb said: "We are urging local residents to think back to that snowy Saturday and ask themselves whether they saw anyone acting suspiciously around their property or in their road. 

"These types of burglars very rarely leave clues behind so it's really important that you report any suspicious activity to us even if you do not think a crime is being committed - let us decide. Information from the public is vital in our investigations and will ultimately make our communities safer."

Anyone with any information should contact DC Steve Webb or DC Phil Aspinall on 101 iat the North Somerset Priority Crime Team.

Earlier this month neighbourhood police at Wraxall and Failand sent out an alert to  remind residents to be vigilant after a number of burglaries from homes and garages in the area. 

Police said there have also been a number of thefts from cars in the area.

Opportunist burglars will seize any chance they can, so help to beat the burglars by taking a few easy steps to protect your home:

• Secure garden boundaries and entry points to houses – consider putting a lock on a side gate;
• Make your home look lived in while you are away. Consider automatic timer switchers for lights and radios to come on and off at different times;
• Clear away any garden tools or ladders – these can be very useful to a burglar;
• Lock your garage and shed with proper security locks, or consider an alarm;
• If you are going away, cancel deliveries of milk, newspapers etc., discretely. Don't announce your departure to a shop full of people or post on social media websites - only tell people who need to know you're going away;
• Mark any valuable items with your postcode and take photographs of jewellery. Consider the use of Smart Water, a security marking product;
• Install a small floor safe; 
• Lock all outside doors and windows – don't leave keys on show or in the locks;
• Remember your door step code – if you can't see who is at your door from a window, then use your chain if you have one, or use your spy hole. Check the back door is locked. Ask for ID. Please remember you do not have to open your front door; and
• Consider outside security lighting which reacts to movement or is light sensitive.