Appeal launched following series of vehicle burglaries and thefts in south Derbyshire

We are urging residents to be vigilant and appealing for information following an increase in vehicle crime in and around Swadlincote.

Officers from the Neighbourhood Acquisitive Crime Team have been making extensive enquiries into the series of incidents and have made arrests as part of their investigation.

We are now turning to the public for help in assisting with our enquiries and would like  anyone with information about the incidents to please come forward.

Officers are also interested to hear from anyone who has CCTV, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage which covers any of the incident locations and has not already spoken to officers.

In each of the incidents listed below offenders have either gained entry to a property before stealing keys and making off with the owner’s vehicle, or have attempted to break into a property or vehicle.    

*Linton Heath, Swadlincote, between 11.30pm on Monday 1 September and 3.30am on Tuesday 2 September (incident number 25*517985)

*Peters Court, Hatton, between midnight on Monday 1 September and 7am on Tuesday 2 September (incident number 25*516462)

*Walnut Drive, Hilton, at about 3am on Tuesday 2 September (incident number 25*517939)

 *Marble Drive, Swadlincote, at about 2.40am on Saturday 23 August (incident number (25*497092)

*Linton Heath, Swadlincote, at about 2.30am on Saturday 23 August (incident number 25*496940)

*Garnet Close, Newhall, between 3.15am and 3.25am on Saturday 23 August (incident number 25*496206).

In addition, a white VW Golf was seen in the area at the time of the offences committed on 23 August and officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw the vehicle.

Anyone with any information about the incidents is asked to contact us using one of the methods below and please quote the relevant incident numbers listed:-

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.

In addition to the above incidents, a similar series of vehicle crimes also took place in the Swadlincote area on Friday 5 September.

Two men, both aged 33, have been arrested and bailed in connection with these incidents.  

Furthermore, officers have also noticed an increase in keyless car theft or 'relay theft' attempts.

This is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by, which unlocks the car and starts the ignition.      

As part of our appeal we are also issuing some crime prevention advice to the public in order to help keep vehicle thieves away.

Members of the public are encouraged to ensure your vehicle is locked when not in use, keep your keys out of view when at home and away from your front door, park responsibly by avoiding dark and secluded areas, and use steering wheel locks.

For the full crime prevention guidance please visit:- Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | Derbyshire Constabulary