Barnstaple targeted by 'creeper' crooks

Spate of break-ins in dark

Police are appealing for information after a spate of overnight ‘creeper’ burglaries at homes in the Barnstaple area.

They say properties and porches have been entered under the cover of darkness by criminals searching for valuables to steal - with seven incidents recorded so far in November. East Park Road, Carrington Terrace, Granville Avenue, Carlyle Avenue and Victoria Road have all been targeted. 

Detectives want residents to remain vigilant, ensure homes are secure, doors are locked, and to use security measures such as lighting where possible.

They would also like to hear from any victims who have not yet come forward, or anyone with CCTV in the areas which officers could review.

Entry was forced to a property in Victoria Road and a bike stolen between midnight and 6.55 a.m. on Monday 8 November.

The day before a rucksack containing cash was taken from a home in Granville Avenue between 12.05 and 12.40 a.m. 

Officers are also investigating a burglary in Carlyle Avenue between 11 and 11.30 p.m. on the same Sunday. A bag, bumbag and coat were stolen. 

Three homes in East Park Road, Whiddon Valley, were targeted in the early hours of Tuesday 2 November. Porches on neighbouring properties were entered and searched between 6.30 and 6.40 a.m. Clothing was taken from one, while a wallet and its contents was taken from the other, where the culprit fled after being disturbed by the occupant.

An attempt was made to steal a mobility scooter from the garden at another address between 6.10 a.m. and 7.25am.

On the same date, a wallet, bank card, power drill, keys, pharmaceutical tablets and a bag were taken from a house in Carrington Terrace between 6 p.m. on Tuesday 2 November and 9 a.m. on the following morning.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or email 101@dc.police.uk, quoting crime reference CR/097142/21.