POLICE in East Cornwall have this week issued a warning to residents, following a mini crime wave in which thieves targetted properties in rural and isolated areas. During the bank holiday weekend, more than £3,000 worth of ?high-tech? equipment was stolen from rural locations in East Cornwall. Police believe the four burglaries around the South Hill area near Callington are linked and part of a mini crime spree. Sgt Brett Phillips of Callington Police said: ?We are convinced all the incidents are linked and are appealing for information from witnesses in relation to the crimes. ?We would urge people to ensure any valuable tools are kept in a secured building, and would also advise people to make use of security lights ? especially in rural and isolated areas. ?I would also ask that people ensure valuables are locked away with a heavy duty padlock.? Thieves entered the properties between Saturday, August 25 and the following Sunday ? stealing many high valued items of garden machinery and power tools. Another incident occurred in the Upton Cross area between the same times but no property was stolen. Sergeant Phillips said: ?Someone out there must know who it is and anyone who is approached with the items or have been offered them for sale can contact the police.? The first incident occurred between 7pm and 7am. Thieves broke into a garage in Berrio by forcing the door lock at the rear. When access was gained the intruders stole a Honda petrol lawnmower, a Stihl petrol strimmer and a Stihl petrol chainsaw ? together they were worth £1,000. The next property targeted was a farmhouse in Golberdon between 10pm and 7am. Thieves covered security lights with jackets and gained entry to the shed by smashing a padlock off the door. Two men?s motorcycle jackets together worth £250 were stolen, a pair of ?Police? sunglasses worth £100 and tools worth a further £100. The intruders then tried to gain entry into a second shed but were disturbed. Police believe it was around the time a dog was barking, at around 4.30am. Then between 8pm and 10.30am a concrete shed was entered at a home in Mornick, where the padlock was chiselled off. Thieves stole a Stihl chainsaw worth £200, a £500 Sharp strimmer with a hedge trimmer attachment, and a mini Hitachi hand grinder worth £70. The last incident occurred between 11.50pm and 9am at a rural area in South Hill. A detached garage workshop building on farm premises was entered by breaking the padlock. Thieves stole a Bosch multi-drill and two chainsaws, worth £900 in total. Anyone with information on these incidents can contact Callington police on 08452 777444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
