Victim of Telford 'sneak in' burglary is living in fear

Bella Sohi, 44, of Apley, Telford, spoke today of how her family feel vulnerable after a burglar managed to get into their house through a loose door.

The offender then made off with £500 cash, a handful of games and Apple products, as well as a handbag.

"It was very scary as we were all upstairs asleep when they got in through the back door," she said. "They took all of our electrical gadgets and some of the video games that my 13-year-old son had for Christmas.

"They basically took anything they could get their hands on. It's a horrible thought knowing someone was in your house, when you were and you didn't know.

"It has made us all feel vulnerable as anyone could be watching us and you never know it could happen again."

The handbag, which was being used by Mrs Sohi's 11-year-old daughter, was found in a wooded area not long after the burglary, which happened last month.

It is believed the bag was being used to carry the gadgets, money and video games but they have not been recovered.

"I would just like to stress to people that they should make sure their doors are locked at all time, even when you're in the house," Mrs Sohi added. "We have lived here for seven years now and this is extremely unusual, even the police said this was a rare thing to happen in the area."

Police have said they are linking this "sneak-in" burglary with 11 others in the Hadley and Leegomery areas of Telford since the start of the year. In 10 of these instances, like Mrs Sohi and her family, the properties were occupied at the time when the offenders gained entry through insecure doors.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Taylor, of Proactive CID in Telford, said: "Our message to the public is to keep all doors and windows locked when they are unattended. Ensure they are locked before going to bed at night and also in the morning after letting your pets outside.

"We do not want to panic the public but urge them to be vigilant, as this is a repetitive theme and the offenders are taking full advantage.

"Common items that have been stolen are handbags, purses and mobile phones, along with smaller items of value that can easily be placed in the offender's pockets or in a small bag.

"I would urge members of the public not to have such items on display in their kitchens. "

Anyone with information or who sees suspicious activity should call 101 and speak to DS 3700 Taylor or PS 843 Locke or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org