A Swindon dad says he felt violated after an intruder posing as a window cleaner broke into his home. The man, who asked not to be named and is in his 40s, told the Swindon Advertiser that his new house still feels tainted by the crime. The burglar forced his way into the house while the homeowner was out and took electrical items worth hundreds of pounds from bedrooms. The victim revealed that he had hoped for a fresh start in his new Swindon home, having moved with his children at the start of the year, but now they have nothing but negative memories.“I had just moved in,” he said. “I left the house for about an hour while the paint and plaster dried. “When I returned I could see the front door was open and there were muddy footprints all over the carpet. “I didn’t know if the person was still in the house. I followed the footprints upstairs and could see someone had stolen the wide screen TV and lots of games consoles. “I knew I’d been burgled and it was a horrible feeling. It’s a violation of your privacy.”
The burglar had managed to earn the trust of his victim. He was very persuasive in pretending to be a window cleaner and in giving sob stories about his family to get work. The victim added: “It’s upsetting because it’s someone coming into your property, who you wouldn’t invite in normally, and taking things from you. “Even now I can visualise where he has been and what he has done. My kids don’t want to be in the house alone any more. “My advice to people would be to check tradesmen’s details to make sure they are legitimate and, if still unsure, be at home when they are doing the work. Also, don’t leave your doors and windows open.”
The police were called to the address and the thief was caught soon after the burglary. He was later given a 12-month suspended sentence. The victim is supporting Safer Homes Week, a campaign led by Swindon Police that offers residents tips on how to protect their homes from crime. Swindon Community Safety Partnership recently revealed that up to 20 burglaries happen each week in the town. This number has doubled during the summer months, with people leaving windows open in hot weather and others going on holiday.
Advice at crime clinic:
THE Swindon Community Safety Partnership has been holding crime clinics offering prevention advice across the town throughout the week. A clinic will be held near the Millennium Clock in the town centre tomorrow from 10am to 4pm. The Safer Homes Week has been the subject of radio debate throughout the week, notably during BBC Radio Wiltshire breakfast shows hosted by Chris Warburton between 6am and 9am each day.
Home-Owners please click on the Swag-man
No comments:
Post a Comment