Bracelet may hold clues to North Yorkshire burglary suspects

The jewellery (pictured) was found in a car that police believe may have been linked to a series of burglaries that occurred between August 1-3 involving the theft of cash and jewellery from the homes of elderly people.

The occupants of the vehicle ran off when it was stopped by police and detectives are keen to identify them.

Police have so far been unable to confirm where the bracelet came from but suspect it is stolen. They are appealing for anyone who recognises it to get in touch, as they may have vital information.

The burglaries involved the men distracting their victims by knocking on doors and claiming that their ball has been kicked into the victim’s back garden. The victims would take one of the men into the back garden to search for the ball while another rifled through their home and stole their property.

On August 1, homes were targeted in Lennox Close and Ewden Close, Filey, two in Scagglethorpe, Malton and two in St John’s Walk, Kirby Hill, Boroughbridge.

And on August 3 properties in Scalby Road, Scarborough, Guisborough Road in Great Ayton and Mayfield Road in Whitby were targeted.

When police searched the car in connection with the incidents, in addition to the bracelet they also found a cream bag containing a collection of old bottles of spirits which included a one-litre bottle of Tia Maria with a Cave Shepard price tag. It was probably brought back from Barbados due to this price tag having Barbados Dollar marks on it.

One of the bottles, Lamb’s Navy Rum, has a Greek Drachma price tag of 3300, suggesting it was bought before 2002 from Greece.

Anyone who recognises these items from the descriptions is asked to contact police.

Detective Constable Sam Harding, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “The offenders who are committing these despicable crimes are targeting those who are most vulnerable in our communities, tricking their way into their homes and stealing their valuable property.

“We want to encourage elderly residents across North Yorkshire to be vigilant against this type of crime. Do not let anyone into your home if you are not certain of who they are. If you’re not sure, don’t open the door.

“I would like to reassure residents that North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Trading Standards have a dedicated team who are working together to tackle this type of crime and to protect our vulnerable communities.

“Anyone who thinks they might have been a victim of distraction burglary, or who has strangers at their door acting suspiciously, should report it to the police on 101.

“For information and crime prevention advice, visit the ‘safer home’ section of our website.”

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the affected locations on August 1 and August 3, or who has any information about the distinctive bracelet, is asked to contact the force on 101.