6R newspaper articles

This week, 6R have been have been learning about journalistic writing and producing our own newspaper article. Here is Maya's.

Burglars steal from the elderly

By Maya _______

An elderly couple’s home was broken into in the early hours yesterday morning, despite the recent installation of a new state-of-the-art burglar alarm.

 The couple, who have lived in their vast, semi-detached house for over fifty years, were the victims of yet another in a series of attacks in their area. Whilst the couple slept, the callous burglars- believed by the police to be a group of experienced youths- entered the property through a window smashing it completely. Having thieved a significant amount of money raised for a campaign nearby along with a necklace known to worth £2000, they made a swift exit through the window they had broken, after they were disturbed by the alarm of the neighbour’s dog.

A passer-by indicated that the attack happened in the early hours of yesterday morning, Monday 19^th January 2015, approximately between 1.am and 3.am as a witness passed the house two times after a party, at 1.am when all was presumably fine and once at 3.am when she had heard a lot of voices and movement in the house. Following their usual routine, the couple, (who retired to bed at 11.am) went to sleep after news on BBCHD. Extremely anxious about their security, both husband and wife, systematically secured each door and window before activating their recently installed state-of-the-art burglar alarm after worries of burglaries in their area. The residents have confirmed to the police that the routine was followed: however the mystery to why the alarmed failed is still undiscovered.

Mr and Mrs Smith, of 48 Beechwood Avenue , Watford, have lived in their property for all of their married life. Situated at the end of the road, the house has an extensive rear garden and front, with two garages which is overlooking a golf course a couple of metes away. Mr and Mrs Smith chose the house because of the unlikeliness of the burglaries and targeted crimes.

Sally Smith, aged 78, and her husband, Jay Smith, aged 81, were both equally devastated upon waking the next morning to find their home had been ransacked.

“We are extremely distraught,” wept Sally. “We were aware of our local area being burgled but never thought we would. We have spent so much time each day, before bed ,making sure all our doors and windows are secure and activating  our alarm. I am utterly devastated .”

Police and forensic investigators were searching for evidence at the house. Although not confirmed, a source from the police station revealed two sets of fingerprints had been found. Police are refusing to answer any questions from the press.

Witnesses in the area at the time of the crime have provided useful information towards catching the criminals. CCTV cameras, installed a few months ago, caught three men, all in dark trousers and jumpers with luminous Nike trainers, running away from the property around 2.55am.

Police records reveal that this burglary is the fifth in North Watford. Recent studies show that elderly people are becoming main targets of such break-ins, due to their age and physical abilities as well as valuable possessions.

Mr and Mrs Smith are currently staying in a nearby hotel until their home is secure once more. Residents of the neighbourhood fear they will be the next target and have been forced to find extra security. Police continue to investigate.