£40,000 of goods stolen in Lincoln burglaries

Update, 1.20pm 22 August:

We have arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of burglary in connection with the incident involving Trent Galleries.

He has been released on bail while our investigations continue.

Original release 17 August: 

We are investigating three burglaries which have resulted in thousands of pounds of fragrance, artwork and sporting goods being stolen.

The thefts have taken place in the past week at House of Fraser, Trent Galleries, and JD Sports in Lincoln city centre. In all incidents, the suspect is believed to have smashed the window before stealing the items and riding down the cycle path to the south west of the city towards Boultham.

We are keeping an open mind, but we are considering the possibility that the incidents are linked. We believe that the items may be being sold on directly by the person who stole the goods, or being handled by an individual who is taking possession of the stolen goods.

We are appealing for dashcam, CCTV, doorbell, or mobile phone footage to hep with our enquiry. We are keen to view footage from the location of the incidents and the nearby streets, as well as Lincoln to Boultham cycle path and surrounding streets which may have captured an individual on a bike, or carrying a number of bags.

We would also appeal for any information which might lead us to anyone who may be handling the stolen goods to come forward. Information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers.

The first incident took place at 2.05am on Wednesday 10 August, and saw around £4,000 of fragrance stolen from House of Fraser in High Street. Incident 38 of 10 August relates.

The second was on Saturday 13 August following a break-in at Trent Galleries in Sincil Street, where more than £35,000 of artwork was taken. The burglary is believed to have happened at 2.35am. Incident 73 of 13 August relates.

Then on Monday 15 August we received a report that JD Sports in High Street had been targeted and around £1,000 of stock taken. It is believed to have taken place between 4.50am and 5am. Incident 104 of 15 August relates. If you have information which could help, there are a number of ways to get in touch:

• By calling 101 quoting the relevant incident number.
• By emailing [email protected] quoting the relevant incident number in the subject line.
• If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.