A BURGLAR was disturbed breaking into a city home as police arrest those suspected of the 'horrific' raids.
There were 11 house burglaries in South Worcestershire, which includes Worcester, Malvern, Evesham and Pershore, between January 2 and 8.
However, after ongoing work by a Worcester-based specialist team devoted to tackling the offence, this dropped to five house burglaries between January 9 and 15.
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House burglaries in Worcester and Evesham are two of the most recent examples as work continues to catch the suspects and gather evidence to ensure they receive significant jail sentences.
However, experienced officers from West Mercia Police have already made 13 arrests since January 1 for domestic and commercial burglary, including two suspects following a raid at Argos in Blackpole on Sunday, January 8 during which stolen laptops 'worth thousands' were recovered by city officers.
It is these arrests that a senior city detective believes may explain the fall in recorded burglary offences, also acting as a deterrent on would-be house-breakers.
DI Dave Knight of Proactive CID, based at Worcester Police Station in Castle Street, said one of the most recent offences was a burglary at Drake Avenue, Dines Green on January 12.
DI Knight, who is appealing for help from the public in tracing the suspect, said the burglar smashed their way inside through an upstairs back bedroom window.
"A single offender was disturbed by the occupier and they ran off," he said.
DI Knight said it was not clear at this stage of the ongoing investigation whether anything had been stolen.
He added: "Everybody can imagine waking up or coming across a stranger in your household. It has a horrific impact. Your home is your safe place.
"Anyone who has any information about who committed that particular burglary or any of the commercial burglaries please get in contact with us.
"It is one of the top priorities for West Mercia Police because we are aware of the impact on victims and the community as a whole.
"The Judiciary takes a dim view of this type of offence which does see burglars getting decent sentences in South Worcestershire."
A further burglary has been identified at an empty house in Bridge Street, Evesham. The suspected offender or offenders gained entry through a broken window on the front door.
This offence was identified on Tuesday afternoon but it is not clear as yet when it took place and what has been taken.
DI Knight has urged the public to dial 999 if they suspect a burglary is in progress so the force can deploy resources as quickly possible to the scene, disrupt and, ideally, catch the offender.
He has also shared advice with homeowners which includes the use of timer lights and opening and closing curtains and blinds in the house on an alternating basis which makes potential burglars think twice about breaking in as the house looks occupied - even if the householder is out.
Those with information about any burglary can call West Mercia Police on 101. In the event of a burglary in progress, the public is always advised to dial 999.
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