See something- do something urge Hamilton Police after teenage burglaries

Hamilton Police are urging people to take stock of their surroundings and if
they see something suspicious- contact Police.

Detective Sergeant Neville Ross of the Tactical Crime Unit said the call
comes after a spate of burglaries in the City carried out, Police believe, by
juvenile offenders.

"We had the burglary of a Claudelands home on Saturday while the occupants
were out at the rugby. Fortunately for all concerned bar the thieves, the
owners recognised some of their property on Facebook and Police apprehended
three people yesterday.

"While those enquiries were going on other officers arrested a 17-year-old
female and two boys aged 14 and 16 in relation to burglaries on Wymer Tce
around 1.50pm."

Of concern for Police however was that a number of people would have seen
these school aged teenagers on the street but not noticed anything untoward
enough to warrant calling 111.

"An example of this is a dog handler who located the trio by a park and
called for assistance. When responding staff arrived they asked a tradesman
if he'd seen anything unusual and were told no, yet the dog handler and
offenders were found 20 feet away over the fence.

"What we're asking people is that if they see groups of school aged teenagers
hanging around when they should be at school then it's probably suspicious
and to contact us. If they are carrying bags and don't appear to be involved
in sports, that's suspicious too, and if you see them going into or running
away then there is definitely an issue."

Mr Ross said by not doing anything people run the risk of their home being
next.

"See something- do something and that's ring 111, if it's not an emergency
and you don't feel like speaking to us directly you can still help protect
your community by leaving information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800
555111. "

End

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