Milkman's rounds targeted by thieves (From Gazette Series)

Milkman's rounds targeted by thieves

A MILKMAN'S round has become the target of thieves in Berkeley who are believed to have stolen more than £500 worth of milk and money over the last month.

Geoff Barfoot-Saunt, the town milkman, said the thefts began early last month when items went missing from people's doorsteps overnight.

"The first time milk, eggs and orange juice just disappeared off people's doorsteps and the following week quite a lot of money went missing," he said.

"On the third occasion all bar a handful of payments had gone.

"As soon as I realised what had happened, because sometimes not everyone pays but this time it was almost everybody, I rang the police."

Mr Barfoot-Saunt, however, this week claimed that police have been too slow to respond to the mini crime wave sweeping his milk round. He said Gloucestershire Constabulary's switchboard staff told him they had received similar complaints from residents and ensured it would be followed up.

"This was on the Saturday," he said. "I didn't hear anything again until the Friday when an acting inspector rang to say something was being done and e-mails had been sent to the relevant people. But this isn't good enough - my customers have been worried," said Mr Barfoot-Saunt.

The milkman said he does not blame local police but blames the system they have to work under and what seems to be a lack of resources.

He said: "I saw an extra patrol car in Berkeley over the weekend but that was the first time in a long time.

"I have been assured that though nothing visible is happening they are taking it seriously."

George Sharpe, community beat officer for Berkeley, said police were taking the theft of money and milk in the town seriously.

He said: "Following Mr Barfoot-Saunt's complaint last month, officers on night shifts - because we believe this has been happening at night - have been briefed on what has happened and we are on the look out.

"We have to ask people in this day and age not to leave money out on the doorstep. People in Berkeley can rest assured we are taking it seriously and we are doing something about it."

Anyone with any information should contact Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.