Police are investigating a burglary on Hayling Island where a handbag was stolen from a home on South Road between 10:30pm on Monday, April 18, and 06:05am the following morning.
Glass in the rear door was smashed and a set of car keys were also taken from the kitchen table. An electric blue Audi Quattro S3 worth £30,000, with a number plate starting HV16, was also taken from the driveway.
Investigating officer DC Jamie Fagan said: “I’d like to speak to anyone who may have seen the Audi since yesterday morning. It’s a very distinctive colour and is almost brand new.
“Whoever broke in and stole the 60 year-old victim’s handbag went to the trouble of removing an urn of ashes from the Audi when it was stolen.
“The ashes of the lady’s late mother were carefully left outside the back door and whoever is responsible may have returned at a different time to do this after the burglary had taken place”.
We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of the following crime prevention advice:
• In the summer, due to the hotter weather, windows that have been left open whilst people are in are often still left open when people leave their homes. Ensure that when you leave your property you have closed all your windows so no one can gain access. Also close windows for unattended rooms at night.
• Lock all front and rear doors at night and when you are out. If you have a UPVC door with a multi-point lock ensure you lift the handle and lock it with the key.
• Put all car keys and other keys are out of sight and not in reach of windows and letterboxes. It doesn’t take much for the keys to be hooked through the letterbox.
• With the evenings being lighter for longer people are often out and about well into the evening. Again think about how your property looks, whether it will look unoccupied whilst you are out and could this look like an opportunity for a burglar. Timer switches can be useful for items such as lights or a radio in this instance.
• Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.
• Do not leave ladders and garden tools in your garden; lock them away in your shed.
• Have an intruder alarm system installed by an approved contractor. Ensure a visible alarm box is attached to the outside of your home. Also consider fitting security lighting.
• Use door chains and spyholes to give you extra security if someone knocks on your door. Never be afraid to turn people away. If you have concerns about anyone who has come to your door call the police.
RMS Number: 44160147401<
