Why are Cotswolds villages like Kingham experiencing a rise in burglaries?

These villages are targeted due to their affluent nature and high-profile residents, making them a 'magnet for criminals.'

How are residents in the Cotswolds fighting back against burglaries?

Locals are forming vigilante groups and using WhatsApp to quickly alert each other and chase off intruders.

What specific incidents have occurred in Kingham and Churchill recently?

Recent incidents include attempted break-ins on Boxing Day, with one burglary resulting in the theft of cash and jewelry.

Home / Crime and Justice / Cotswolds Villages Fight Back Against Balaclava Gangs

Cotswolds Villages Fight Back Against Balaclava Gangs

4 Jan

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Summary

Locals form vigilante groups to combat a rise in burglaries.
Wealthy villages like Kingham and Churchill are frequent targets.
WhatsApp groups mobilize residents to chase off suspected burglars.

Cotswolds Villages Fight Back Against Balaclava Gangs

Affluent villages in the Cotswolds, including Kingham and Churchill, are witnessing a disturbing increase in burglaries, prompting residents to take matters into their own hands. Wealthy locals, concerned about being targeted by balaclava-clad gangs, have established vigilante groups. These groups use community messaging apps like WhatsApp to quickly alert neighbors and coordinate responses when criminal activity is detected.

On Boxing Day, a home in Churchill was targeted by a gang attempting to disable CCTV cameras. However, the homeowner was alerted via live footage and immediately alerted a local WhatsApp group. Within moments, approximately 30 residents mobilized, successfully scaring off the intruders before they could enter the property. A linked burglary in Kingham on the same day saw cash and jewelry stolen after burglars smashed a back door.