POLICE are warning pet owners in the Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Watford areas with dog or cat flaps to be on their guard after four break-ins at homes in West Herts over the past few weeks.
The most recent was was in Watford last Wednesday night when thieves reached up through a large cat flap in the door to get keys left in the lock the other side. Once in the house, they took some cash, a laptop computer, a Nintendo WII and two contro
llers, a digital camera, bank cards, two mobile phones and two bank savings books.
One of the other similar offences was an attempted burglary through a cat flap in South Park Gardens, Berkhamsted, on April 7 at about 3am. The thieves did not manage to break in and steal anything.
Police are issuing the following advice for residents with cat or dog flaps:
Leave any keys well away from doors and windows, put them out of sight
Always lock doors and windows even if you go out for a short time or if you spend time upstairs
Anyone with any information on these crimes should ring 0845 33 00 222. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You do not have to give your name and you could be entitled to a cash reward.
If you think you have been a victim of this crime ring 0845 33 00 222.
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