Police hunt gang of cat flap burglars who have struck up to 20 times
by Lucy Buckland
lucy.buckland@essnmedia.co.uk
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POLICE WARNING: Cops are telling pet owners to be careful this Christmas after a spate of cat burglaries
Police are hunting cat flap burglars who have struck up to 20 times across Kenley and Purley.
The thieves steal electrical items and cars after sticking their arms through the opening and grabbing keys left in the doors by homeowners.
Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) in Kenley and Purley are warning pet owners to take their keys out of doors and to make sure windows are secured.
PC Gareth Storer, of Kenley SNT, said: "People need to remember if a cat can fit through their cat flap so can an arm.
"These thieves or thief have managed to get lucky and grab keys left in back doors."
PC Storer said up to 20 burglaries across Kenley and Purley were being investigated as part of the cat flap investigation.
Police have no descriptions of the thieves, who last struck three times in Higher Drive on November 25, stealing electrical goods while the homeowners slept.
On November 29, it is thought the same group or individual stole a car and handbag from a home in Haydn Avenue, Purley.
PC Storer warned people to be especially careful at Christmas as thieves know families often place presents under their trees which are easy targets for thieves.
If you have any information contact Kenley SNT on 020 8721 2466 or Purley SNT on 020 8721 2467.
8 Comments
by christopher, bromley
Friday, December 11 2009, 9:33AM
“homer/ your mum . stupid comment they can afford it maybee these people have worked hard for what theve got they dont need theiving scumbags in there houses.”
by Anon, Anon
Friday, December 11 2009, 1:33AM
“really?? homer.
Breaking into somes home..are you insane.”
by Homer, your mom
Friday, December 11 2009, 1:25AM
“Meh ... Kenley and Purley.. They can afford it.”
by RobinHood, Sherwood
Thursday, December 10 2009, 11:01PM
“I can help out here,the next time I see a moggie with a DVD player I will hit it with an arrow.”
by Anon, Anon
Thursday, December 10 2009, 8:57PM
“so you could say that if a burglar got into your home, it would cost him and arm or leg..lol”
by Dave, Purley
Thursday, December 10 2009, 7:52PM
“Can a dog be prosecuted for biting a burglar, if he puts his arm through a cat flap.
I hope not as there wouldn't be anything left of his arm if he put it through mine.”
by Anon, Anon
Thursday, December 10 2009, 7:07PM
“why dont people install more cctv in there homes, or get a big dog. Or do both, and play it back the next day, and watch the dog attack the criminals that come in.”
by Tom, Local
Thursday, December 10 2009, 6:51PM
“Catflap steals from Filthy Rich.”