Victims of a burglary spike in a Derby suburb being carried out by organised criminals across the country have given heartbreaking accounts of the crimes - including one family who were targeted when they were watching television downstairs.

Police revealed at an emergency meeting last night that there have been 29 burglaries in Littleover and Blagreaves since the start of the year.

They said in some cases children were being used by the criminals to act as a look out while the crooks, who use fast and flashy cars, take just minutes to ransack the properties of cash and jewellery.

Around 100 concerned residents attended the meeting at Carlyle Infant and Nursery School where victims spoke about their ordeals.

Inspector Ranjit Dol addressing the meeting tonight
Inspector Ranjit Dol addressing the meeting tonight

One resident, who lives in Hollowood Avenue, said: "We have got security lights and we have a security alarm but they targeted us when we were inside the house. We didn't think we would have to have the alarm on when we were inside the house watching television. They went upstairs and ransacked the place.

"When we released we thought they were still in the house. Had we gone upstairs and caught them then we're left in a very vulnerable position. It's hard to run away when they are in the house. It's left us feeling very nervous and shaken."

A woman also spoke of her pain at being targeted after leaving her house for just a few minutes.

She said: "We've also got security lights and they still managed to ransack the place. Short of having CCTV there's not much more we can do. That's probably only useful after the event. I do not feel safe in my own home.

"They must have watched me leave. They were very prepared because it did not take them long. They are very determined."

She told the meeting that four more burglaries had taken place three days ago.

A police crackdown to tackle robberies and burglaries in Derbyshire has made an instant impact

Dawn Gee, from Carlisle Against Crime, a group of volunteers which have been patrolling the area, spoke at the meeting to urge locals to report information to the police.

She said: "Carlisle Against Crime volunteers have been taking it turns to drive around the area. We have also been going on King George V Playing Fields and if it has been clear then we close and lock the park gates.

"One day we went to the park and saw a car tucked away. We often get courting couples but on this occasion there were five youths in the car. Something looked wrong. They soon went and the number plate did not tie in with the car.

"We need to be working as a community to work with the police and feed information through to combat this, because it is massive."


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