FOUR Sheffield pubs have been broken into within a week in a series of burglaries which detectives believe may be linked.
The Wagon and Horses in Millhouses was the first to be raided, when an upstairs window pane was removed in its entirety and a jewellery box taken from a bedroom.
Two days later The Norton at Meadowhead, The Hammer and Pincers in Bents Green and Th
e Old Mother Redcap in Bradway were all targeted.
Police said the thief or gang responsible got away with cash and low-value items, although nothing was reported missing from the Redcap.
Steve Addy, aged 56, whose family runs The Wagon and Horses, said his wife
Pam was putting their young granddaughter to bed when, unknown to them, their upstairs flat was broken into.
"At one point she was in the room next door to the bedroom where the jewellery box was taken from, so she could have been a matter of feet away," he told The Star.
"We can't believe this happened because it was the only window without any bars on it, and to get to it you would have to climb on to the roof of the pub and then get in by hanging upside down.
"There is a flat roof outside the window which cannot take any weight. We have reinforced the window now.
"We were upset that some jewellery of sentimental value was taken, such as my wedding ring, but are just glad my wife didn't disturb them because who knows what they would have done."
He said his hunch is those responsible were looking for gold to send away to firms who advertise on TV offering cash for gold.
"I have written two letters to one of these firms asking what checks are in place to ensure they are not receiving stolen goods, but have not yet had a reply."
A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "Police are aware of a burglary which took place at The Wagon and Horses pub at Millhouses.
"We are also aware of further burglaries at pubs in the Bradway, Bents Green and Meadowhead areas of Sheffield.
"We are currently considering if these incidents are linked.
"We do not believe the offenders were looking for gold to sell for cash. Money and low value items were stolen."
Anyone with information should call police on 0114 220 2020.
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