14-year-old boy arrested after spate of burglaries and thefts in Hambleton

Police are increasing patrols in Hambleton following a spate of burglaries and thefts from unattended vehicles in Great Ayton and Great Broughton.

The series of incidents is being investigated by Northallerton CID.

The team are also working with several specialist resources which include the force’s Operational Support Unit and officers from Cleveland Police.

On Tuesday, officers arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of burglary, attempted burglary, theft from a motor vehicle and attempted theft from a motor vehicle.

He was interviewed and bailed with conditions not to enter North Yorkshire.

Police are now appealing for any information which will help the investigation.

In particular, officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have caught any suspicious activity on CCTV or doorbell footage.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email quita.readman@northyorkshire.police.uk

Alternatively you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Quita Readman.

Please quote reference number 12230131864 when passing information.

Detective Constable Quita Readman, from North Yorkshire Police, said: “We’re asking residents in Hambleton to make sure their property (including outbuildings) and vehicles are kept secure.

“If you use a vehicle for work, please remember to remove tools when you have finished and ensure they are stored securely.

“Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity on 101 or if it’s happening now call 999.”

Officers are also asking residents to be vigilant and where possible increase security around their property and vehicle. Advice on how to increase security can be seen below.

It may not seem obvious, but protecting your garden and outbuildings like sheds not only keeps bikes and other valuables safe, but can also stop burglars accessing tools to get into your home

1. Low front boundary; keep hedges and walls at the front of your house low (under one metre) so burglars have nowhere to hide.
2. Secure side gate; keep side gates locked at all times. Open gates mean burglars can easily access your home without being seen by passers-by or neighbours.
3. High side and rear boundaries with trellis and spiky defensive planting; keep hedges, walls and fences around your back garden high (over 1.8 metres). Add lightweight trellis to gates and fences and plant some prickly plants to make it harder for burglars to climb over.
4. Gravel driveway and path; gravel driveways and paths make it harder for burglars to go undetected.
5. Security light; install an outside security light so that intruders can’t approach without being seen.
6. Intruder alarm system; install a burglar alarm system.
7. Secure your shed; always keep your shed locked and secured, and make sure it is anchored down to prevent it from being lifted in order to gain access. Often sheds contain valuables such as power tools and bicycles.
8. Never leave tools lying around; never leave tools lying around as they can be used as a way of breaking into your home.