Police issue advice following Bedminster burglary

Following the deception burglary carried out at the home of a 97-year-old Bedminster woman, police have issued the following advice to householders.

Do not open your door to a stranger

• If you are not expecting anyone, don't answer the door – or if you do, make sure you use a door chain

• If they refuse to leave then call 999 

• If you are expecting someone make sure you check their identification. A genuine caller will not mind waiting whilst you check them out.

Look out for your neighbours

• ... Especially someone who is vulnerable

• There are a number of neighbourhood watch schemes you can join and make a difference

Keep all valuables in a safe or secure location 

• Take photographs of valuables and keep them securely

• If your valuables have serial numbers they should be recorded on the online free property database www.immobilise.com 

Download tracking devices on electrical equipments such as phones, laptops and iPads 

• Many applications such as Prey and findmyiphone are free

Burglary is an Avon and Somerset police priority and offences in Bristol are reducing. Since April there has been a 20 per cent reduction in offences.

You can see more information and photos of the people that police would like to speak to in connection with the Bedminster incident here.