Reports suggest thieves broke through wall to gain access to drugs

A major police investigation is underway into how thieves managed to break into Boots on Chiswick High Road through the hardware shop next door.

The burglary took place in the early hours of Friday morning and local sources say that the Robert Dyas shop next door was used to gain access to the branch of Boots.

Police seal off Boots after the break in

The shops were sealed off for several hours on Friday but reopened for business after forensic examination.

It is thought that the thieves were after drugs but the police have yet to respond to requests for confirmation of the details of the incident.

The shops in question both front onto the busy Chiswick High Road and a short distance away from the Chiswick police station which recently changed its opening hours and no longer has a 24-hour front office.

The police are anxious to hear from anyone who saw something suspicious.

The thefts the most high-profile incident to take place in Chiswick recently. Local Safer Neighbourhood teams are also focused on the high number of thefts from vehicles in Chiswick which has persisted despite extensive leafleting to residents and the use of plain-clothes police officers on patrol.

Car-theft has also been a major problem lately. In recent months car-thieves targeted Chiswick to steal BMWs but this has now switched to Range Rovers with at least five of the luxury vehicles reported stolen .

With the run-up to Christmas, police have warned the public to be on the alert both on public transport and while in cafes and bars. With many offices holding Christmas parties, they have warned women to watch their handbags closely and if possible, not to bring valuable items into pubs and restaurants.

Many local pubs in Chiswick have signed up to a similar system used by independent traders.

The Turnham Green Radio link was introduced in December 2011 as Chiswick traders decided to fight back against criminals in the run-up to Christmas. They were issued with a radio system that gives direct links to police and other retailers.

A number of local pubs have also signed up to the link to combat criminal activity.

December 13, 2013