THE new year got off to a poor start for two households in Churt and one in Thursley, where burglaries were discovered on New Year's Day. One burglary took place between 4.30pm on December 31, and 4.30pm on January 1, at a house in Redhearn Green, Churt. Thieves broke into a large detached house by forcing the front door and stole a substantial quantity of jewellery and cash. The other Churt break-in was in Old Kiln Lane between 12.30pm on December 31, and 10.30pm on January 1. Entry was gained by forcing a window, computer equipment and jewellery was stolen. Police are also investigating a burglary in Portsmouth Road, Thursley, which occurred between 11am on December 22 and 5.30pm on January 1. Thieves escaped with power tools and jewellery after forcing the back door. The three crimes are being treated as similar by officers, due to the time scale and close location. A police spokesman said: "It is always a shock to return home and find you have been burgled and never more so than after returning home from Christmas and New Year celebrations with friends and family. "We have carried out extensive house enquiries and are continuing to investigate all three offences. "Our burglary rate remains low in West Surrey and we are determined to keep it that way, by doing everything possible to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice." If anyone has any information about any of the incidents, contact Waverley CID on 0845 125 2222, quoting crime reference number C/08/56.
