Burglars’ tool kit found in Shropshire Garden
Three small copper rivets could help identify burglars who dumped their tools in the garden of a Shropshire home.
The distinctive rivets were found stuck in the soles of a pair of trainers discovered with other items in a garden near Bridgnorth and forming what police believe is an abandoned burglary kit.
Two walkie-talkies, a Musto jacket and four black balaclava masks were also found at the home in Chorley Village lane, Billingsley.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, head of Shropshire CID, said: "It's something of a mystery as to how these items came to be there. No attempt has been made to protect them from the weather or to conceal.
"The home owner came across them while gardening. It could be someone driving past has discarded them and simply thrown them over the wall."
Police believe burglars dumped the equipment which has been forensically examined.
They are anxious for any information which might solve the mystery and believe the three copper rivets embedded in the soles of the trainers could provide vital clues.
DCI Edwards said: "The rivets are most unusual and are probably used in some specialised business. They are fairly large headed with the cap measuring 18mm in diameter and with a spike 23mm in length.
"We think the gear belongs to burglars who have decided to get rid of it. Those rivets may have been picked up in their shoes while committing a crime, perhaps in a garage or workshop, while looking for metal to steal.
"It's hard to say what the rivets are used for but I am hoping someone might be able to recognise them and throw some light on the matter. The balaclava masks, which have tailored slits for the eyes and nose, might also be identified.
"We want people to contact Bridgnorth or Shrewsbury CID on 0300 333 3000 if they can help. They can also contact the anonymous Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111."
The burglary kit was found at 2pm on Bank Holiday Monday, August 27 and may have lain in the garden for several days before being spotted. The shoes are described as black safety trainers, with heavy duty bottoms and steal toe-caps. Two rivets were found in the one shoe and one in the bottom of the other.
