Wiltshire Police are appealing for the public’s help after a house in Swindon was broken into – just days after the occupant died.
Neighbours living near the property in Hilmarton Avenue, Penhill, called police on 27 September 2018 after noticing that internal doors were open and lights were on inside the house.
Sadly the owner of the property had died just three days earlier.
Special Constable Gary Vickery, who has been investigating the burglary, said: “This is an unusual case as the owner of the property had recently died so we are unsure what, if anything, was stolen from the house.
“We did discover some property in nearby Shrewton Walk, which we believe came from the address, so we can assume that some items were taken.
“We have spoken to a number of neighbours who have said it was common knowledge locally that the owner had died and the house was empty. They are understandably disgusted that someone appears to have deliberately targeted the house, knowing why there would be no-one there.”
We have been carrying out an extensive investigation over the past few weeks, including house-to-house enquiries and forensics, but we now hope the public can help us.
Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting crime reference 54180091218. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
