In an action-packed encounter, four men were apprehended on the M25 in Surrey once local police spotted a vehicle linked to a break-in that had taken place in Berkhamsted just a day prior.
During the stop, officers uncovered cloned license plates, walkie-talkies, and backpacks filled with items suspected to be stolen jewelry, according to reports from Hertfordshire Constabulary.
Three of the men, aged 32, 29, and 30, have since been granted bail but remain under investigation. The 32-year-old hails from Loughton in Essex, while the 29-year-old is from West London, and the 30-year-old does not have a fixed address.
A fourth suspect, a 22-year-old man also without a permanent residence, was arrested on charges relating to conspiracy for burglary but is in custody for a separate, unresolved case.
While the police have not disclosed the specific location of the alleged burglary in Berkhamsted, they have provided valuable tips for residents to safeguard their homes against potential intruders:
- Store gifts securely, avoiding visible areas like sheds or near windows and doors.
- Ensure all doors and windows are locked when leaving home or before bedtime.
- Don’t leave empty boxes of expensive items near your bins as they can signal to burglars that you have valuables inside.
- Think about installing doorbell cameras, security cameras inside your home, or a monitored burglar alarm for added safety.
- Utilize ‘dusk to dawn’ external lighting and timer switches for lights, radios, and TVs to create the illusion of occupancy.
- Keep keys and valuables hidden from sight to deter potential burglars.
- Make sure your fencing and gates are secure, and store tools and ladders in a locked shed.
- Secure bins overnight and store garden furniture during winter, as these items can be used to access upper windows.
For more home security advice, check out this website. Any incidents of burglary can be reported to the police either online or by calling 101.
