POLICE are appealing for information from the public following a string of armed robberies in the Warrington area at Dallam, Orford, and Grappenhall which are believed to be linked.
Three incidents have been reported to police in the space of a week – two were at residential properties and the third at a business premises.
In each case, a number of offenders have gained access, threatened the occupants inside with what is believed to be a firearm and have stolen cash and mobile phones.
Investigations have been launched in relation to all three incidents and enquiries are ongoing. Officers believe the robberies are linked and have appealed to the public for information.
Detective Inspector Matt Durcan said: “I want to reassure local people that we are doing all we can to trace those responsible. We take any incidents of this nature extremely seriously and we will do all we can to locate the offenders and ensure they are brought to justice.
“Extensive enquiries are being carried out in a bid to piece together as much information as we can about the three incidents, which we believe could be linked. This includes any forensic enquiries, examining any relevant CCTV footage and speaking to people in the local community.
“I would appeal to anyone who has any information regarding any of these incidents to come forward and speak to police. Even the smallest amount of information can be useful when piecing together a case. If you were in any of those areas around the time of the incidents and have seen anything significant or anyone acting suspiciously please get in touch.”
The first incident took place at a property in Lewis Avenue, Dallam, on 21st April at around 11pm.
Two offenders wearing dark clothing entered the property via an insecure front window. They searched the property, threatened the occupants who were inside and stole cash and a mobile phone before fleeing the scene.
The men spoke with North West accents – one had dark brown eyes, was tall and of slim build.
The second incident took place at a property in Albert Road, Grappenhall, on 25th April shortly before 10pm. Three men, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, forced their way into the property via the front door.
They searched the property, threatened the occupants and stole a handbag containing a quantity of cash and a mobile phone before fleeing the scene.
One of the offenders is described as having olive skinned, dark hair, black bushy eyebrows, was around 5’ 9” tall and of slim build. He spoke with a North West accent.
The second offender is described as being around 6’ tall and of slim build. He spoke in a deep voice with a North West accent.
The third incident took place at Poplars Hotel in Cotswold Road on 27th April around 3am.
Two offenders forced their way into the residential area of the premises via the front door. They threatened the occupant and stole a mobile phone before demanding cash. They then stole a quantity of cash from the tills in the bar area, put it into a bag and fled the scene.
The pair were wearing dark clothing, gloves and had their hoods up and scarves covering their faces.
DI Durcan added: “In each incident the occupants have been threatened with a weapon – believed to be a firearm. It has not been established whether the firearms were real or imitation. They were not discharged and no injuries were reported but understandably everyone involved has been left very shaken by their ordeal. We are supporting the victims as part of our investigations.”
Anyone with any information in relation to the three incidents is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 23 of 21st April in relation to the first incident, incident number 985 of 25th April in relation to the second incident and incident number 80 of 27th April in relation to the third incident. If you would prefer to remain anonymous information can be passed on via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1
