Presents stolen with dozens of families hit in crime blitz on homes in Ainsdale, Birkdale and Formby

Feb 5 2013 by Joe Thomas, Formby Times

LUXURY cars, jewellery and hi-tech gadgets are among a bounty of prized possessions stolen in a burglary spree.

Christmas presents were taken from families in Formby, Birkdale and Ainsdale in the new year.

Arrests have been made but with 24 homes hit in less than a month police are warning homeowners to be vigilant.

In the first incident, in Dunkirk Road, thieves broke in through a conservatory, stole jewellery and obtained the keys to steal a Ford Mondeo.

Five homes were then targeted on January 2 on Kew Road, Lynton Drive, Chandley Close, Westminster Drive and Elson Road. A laptop, three iPads, jewellery, two handbags and cameras were among the goods stolen.

Another spike followed on January 10, with raids on homes in Shaftesbury Avenue, Salford Road, Freshfield Road and Watchyard Lane.

An Audi A4 was among the possessions stolen on that day.

In some cases homeowners have returned to their houses while offenders were inside, but no-one has been injured.

The rise has led to police stepping up patrols and 11 people have been arrested so far. David John Clark, of Oldbridge Road, Speke, was jailed for six weeks after being found with a screwdriver in the area on December 21.