Police hunt after Newport distraction burglaries (From South Wales Argus)

Police hunt after Newport distraction burglaries

12:50pm Friday 27th January 2012 in Gwent news By Ruth Mansfield

DO YOU recognise anyone in these CCTV stills?

Gwent police released the images following three distraction burglaries in Newport within three days in which items including cash and cigarettes were stolen.

Although police cannot say for certain whether the cases are linked, a spokeswoman said they are keeping an “open mind” and would like to speak to the people shown in connection with the incidents.

The first offence took place at Thomas Cook, Bridge Street, on January 11 when two women entered the travel agency shop at around 11am before leaving having stolen cash.

The women are described as white with tanned complexions, with one in her 40s and one in her 50s. They both had long dark hair and were wearing floor-length black coats.

The second offence took place at the R&B Convenience Store, Durham Road, on the same day at around 1.30pm. Around eight to ten people, men and women, entered the store.

While the shopkeeper was distracted, a safe containing cash and scratchcards was stolen.

The third offence took place at Premier Stores, Christchurch Road, on January 13 at around 2pm.

Around 14 people entered the store and a large quantity of cigarettes was stolen.

In August last year, we reported about a spate of distraction burglaries in the Somerton area in which children were used as decoys, while someone stole from newsagents’ homes.

A Gwent police spokeswoman said police were not linking these cases at the moment but were again keeping an “open mind”.

Anyone with any information should contact Gwent police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.