Cat-flap burglar strikes eight times in just a few days in Cheylesmore

Cat flap and unlocked patio doors used to target Coventry homes

Eight homes have been burgled in less than a week in a tiny part of Coventry.

Six of the break-ins happened when a burglar crept in through unlocked patio doors while police think he used a cat flap to break into the other two properties.

Police believe the same offender may be behind the spate of burglaries.

The homes affected are less than half a mile away from each other in the Cheylesmore area.

The day after the last burglary a 32-year-old Coventry man was arrested and questioned.

Sgt Jane Howarth, from Canley police station, said: Officers flooded the area and through enquiries arrested a local man on suspicion of burglary. He has now been bailed pending further enquiries.

On nearly all occasions back doors and patio doors were left unlocked making it easy pickings for any would be thieves.

We will continue to patrol the area but I would appeal to local residents to review their security, locking doors and windows before they go to bed, taking keys out of locked doors and putting them in a cupboard or out of reach will reduce their chances dramatically of becoming a victim of burglary.

The first burglary happened in Cornelius Street between May 23 and 24. He struck again in the same street on May 24 before targeting a house in Seed Field Croft between May 26 and 27.

Original post:
Cat-flap burglar strikes eight times in just a few days in Cheylesmore