South American burglary gangs put pressure on police (From Surrey Comet)

South American burglary gangs put pressure on police

7:30am Monday 13th February 2012 in Kingston By Martin George

A “massive network” of South American burglars targeting homes near the A3 is draining police resources from other parts of the borough, councillors heard.

Inspector Jaiye Warwick-Saunders said officers from north Kingston wards were being drawn away to other areas to help deal with the “particularly nasty crime network”.

The burglary gangs, first revealed by the Surrey Comet in December, have helped increase Kingston’s burglary rate by a third in the past six months – one of the biggest increases in the capital.

A total of 94 homes were hit in December 2011, the highest number for at least three years.

Police said the gangs, usually three or four strong, target homes in quiet residential streets in the A3 corridor.

In December, Beverley and Coombe Vale wards suffered the most, with 13 and 12 break-ins respectively.

Beverly ward councillor Trevor Heap said: “It’s a worrying development, and it’s one where everyone needs to be vigilant because, let’s face it, when things are tough, helping yourself to other people’s property is an option.”

Inspector Warwick-Saunders told Kingston town councillors on Tuesday, February 7, that under the Kingston force’s policy of “flexing”, police resources were often shifted to areas of highest need.

He said a number of arrests had been made in London and the home counties, and a number of suspects were currently in custody.

He said: “We know more and more about this group every day. This matter is not just being dealt with locally. There are outside resources.”

Police said the gangs have a distinctive way of working, with a woman knocking on the front door several times before throwing a rubber ball at upstairs windows to ensure no one is at home.

Colleagues then break in through the back using tools found in the garden or shed, and use bags or pillow cases found inside to make off with electronic equipment, jewellery and money.

Police urged residents to call 999 immediately if they see anything suspicious in the street.