Reward for burglar info

9:50am Thursday 13th July 2006

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A REWARD of up to £4,000 is up for grabs for anyone who can help police convict a serial burglar.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is offering the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of offenders connected with a series of burglaries along the A5 corridor.

A spate of 27 of burglaries committed in the area since the beginning of June has seen handbags, wallets, laptops, cash and car keys from stolen from homes in Flamstead, Markyate and Redbourn.

Police say the burglars, thought to be working in a team or teams, have been targeting houses with undeadlocked UPVC front doors and a flashy car on the drive.

A red Audi and a black Peugeot were stolen from outside properties on Crown Street and Hemel Hempstead Road in Redbourn.

Detective Chief Inspector Nathan Briant, of the Western Area Crime Unit, said: "This is a disturbing series of burglaries in what is usually a quiet rural environment and these offences are causing particular distress to the residents of Grovehill, Woodhall Farm, Markyate, Flamstead and Redbourn.

"That is why we have taken the step of offering a £4,000 reward in connection with this series of crimes, as we are determined to bring these offenders to justice."

Several break-ins were committed in the early hours of the morning on two separate nights: on the night of June 5-6 six offences were reported in Flamstead and Markyate and on June 22-23 a further 18 crimes were committed in and around Flamstead, Markyate and Redbourn.

Burglars also targeted the villages of Grovehill and Woodhall Farm near Hemel Hempstead on July 1-2.

Appealing for members of the public to come forward with information, DCI Briant said: "We need your help to catch these criminals.

"No piece of information is too small, so call us today and you could be in line for a cash reward.

"Did you see suspicious individuals at the time of the burglaries in these locations?

"Did you see any suspicious cars in the area? Were you targeted but didn't think to report it at the time?"

Police are also urging residents to be vigilant in their homes by checking that they deadlock their doors, close windows and put keys and valuables out of sight.

Anyone with information relating to the burglaries can telephone Area Crime on 01923 472069 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

For more information on the terms and conditions of the reward contact 01923 472069.