POLICE investigating an aggravated burglary involving five masked men ransacking a property and threatening a neighbour who disturbed them, are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
The incident took place between 7.20pm and 7.40pm when the five men broke into an unoccupied house on Clap Gates Road in Bewsey and Whitecross by the back door where they carried out an untidy search.
As they left the property they were disturbed by a neighbour who they threatened before causing significant damage to his car.
The men, all dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, then made off in a vehicle in the direction of Folly Lane.
One of the men is described as white, around 5ft 8 in height and of a medium build. Another man is described as being of a slim build and around 6ft in height.
Detective Sergeant Tom Hall, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: “It is completely unacceptable for someone’s home to be broken into and we are determined to do all we can to support the victims and find those responsible.
“While our enquiries remain ongoing to find these men I want to appeal directly to the public, who may have seen any suspicious behaviour, to come forward.
“I would ask anyone who has any information to get in touch with us as your information could be vital and help us to solve this crime. We will continue to look at CCTV, carry out forensic examinations and conduct house to house enquiries.”
Officers will be patrolling the area to provide reassurance to the local community.
Polcie are offering the following advice to help protect your home:
*Make sure that all your windows and doors and kept locked, especially when you are out.
*Ensure that your home looks ‘lived in′, even if you are out. Consider using timer switches for lights to give the impression that someone is at home.
*Be wary when answering the door to unexpected or uninvited visitors and always ask to see identification. If you are unsure of the validity of the caller then contact the organisation they are claiming to be from. Genuine callers will not mind you doing this.
*Sign up to Homewatch Alert to receive timely updates about crime and policing in your area.
*Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity at your neighbours’ properties when they are out or away and ask them to do the same for you.
*Report any suspicious activity to the police.
For more advice on keeping your home safe and secure visit www.cheshire.police.uk or call 101 and ask to speak to your local crime reduction advisor.
Please call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 317702, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If you have dashcam footage please submit by following the instructions in this link https://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage/ making sure you quote IML 317702.
