Colwyn Bay - 25 jewellery thefts off the A55 corridor in north Wales

25 jewellery thefts off the A55 corridor in north Wales

Cash and jewellery has been stolen during 25 house burglaries in towns and villages close to the A55 corridor

Detectives believe a spate of 25 burglaries along the north Wales coast may be linked.

The incidents at Mold, Rhyl, Abergele, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Caernarfon, Bangor and Menai Bridge happened in similar properties at locations off the A55 corridor.

The houses were entered between 16:30 and 22:30 GMT, usually at weekends, with cash and jewellery stolen.

Anyone with information can contact North Wales Police on 0300 330 0101.

Det Chief Insp Iestyn Davies said: "It is not our intention to alarm people, but we have now had upwards of 25 house burglaries in towns and villages close to the A55 corridor.

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POLICE SECURITY ADVICE

• Keep jewellery in a safe, but not obvious, place
• If you are away ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your property
• Keep keys in a secure, out of sight place, not visible through the letter-box
• Keep Christmas presents out of sigh
• Do not keep large amounts of cash at home
• Do not leave bags, purses, watches within view of windows and doors
• If you are out for the evening close your curtains and leave a light on
• Lock away tools and ladders
• Keep outbuildings secure
• Mark property with an UV pen

Source: North Wales Police

"We need people to be aware so that they can guard against becoming another victim and to report anything suspicious."

He said there was a "clear and definitive pattern" to the recent burglaries.

"The houses have all been entered between 4.30pm and 10pm, usually at the weekend.

"The properties targeted have in the main been on private housing estates and we believe the houses selected have appeared unoccupied at that particular time."

A dedicated team has been set up to investigate the offences and there is also an appeal for people to be on the lookout for anything suspicious.

"In the past offenders who have travelled into the force area have used stolen high performance vehicles on false plates.

"They have travelled in teams of three to four males who may look out of place in such vehicles. I also believe that they occasionally stay at local hotels and pay in cash."

Because jewellery has topped the list of items stolen DCI Davies said he also wanted staff at gold shops to be vigilant.

"Many of those targeted have been older people, a lot of the jewellery taken has been of sentimental value and is irreplaceable to them," he added.