HOMEOWNERS in Derry’s most affluent areas have been hit by the latest spate of burglaries.
Police believe at least some of the homes have been targeted by the same gang who made off with cash and precious jewellery.
This comes just weeks after police warned residents in the West Bank of the city to be vigilant over a series of house raids by thieves.
Crooks raided a home in the Maybrook Mews area of the city on February 22 and make off with a sum of cash as well as jewellery which included gold rings, chains and ear rings while just a day later three homes in the Mount Vernon, Woodbrook and Drummond Park were also broken into.
It was reported that sometime between 6.30pm and 7pm entry was forced to the property in the Mount Vernon area and a sum of cash and 2 gold rings stolen.
Cash and a gold engagement ring with three small diamonds with the middle diamond missing and a gold ring with a ruby centre and two pearls on either side of it were taken from the house in Mount Vernon while a sum of cash and a number of items of jewellery, including three rings and a silver storm watch were stolen from the residence in Woodbrook.
On the same day police received a report that a handbag containing cash and bank cards were stolen from a house in Drummond Park while residents from a home in Portlock Place also reported damage to the window of their home following an attempt to force entry to the property.
Detective Constable Marshall said: “We are investigating a possible link between these incidents and I am appealing for anyone who witnessed any suspicious persons or vehicles in the area around the time to contact detectives in Strand Road.
“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a black coloured Volkswagen Golf in the area to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Strand Road on the 101 number quoting reference numbers 1143, 1174 or 1416 23/02/18.
Or alternatively the information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111
In the meantime, SDLP Councillor, Angela Dobbins urged people to be vigilant.
She said: “These burglaries followed a similar pattern to those carried out in recent weeks in this same area. They occurred early in the evening and small items such as jewellery and money were stolen.
“Having visited one of the victims who had only been out only for around 25 minutes, she told me that the thieves had taken jewellery and they seemed to know what was real gold compared to costume jewellery. A gold engagement ring was one of the items taken which is of great sentimental value.
“Those responsible have no regard for the hurt they cause.
“I would urge everyone out there not to leave anything to chance.
“The PSNI have told the SDLP at recent meeting that assistance from the public to report suspicious activity was vital.
“It is important that people remain vigilant, if you see either callers or vehicles that you think is ‘out of place’ or suspicious please contact the police.”
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