DETECTIVES investigating an aggravated burglary in Warrington today appealed for witnesses to come forward.
At around 10.50pm on Sunday February 17 the occupants of a flat in Lander Close, Great Sankey fled the property upon hearing and seeing three men wearing balaclavas banging on the front door.
The offenders then forced open the door, conducted an untidy search of the flat and damaged items.
They also stole some items, including a wallet containing a quantity of cash, before fleeing in an unknown direction.
The offenders are described as around 6’ tall with proportionate builds.
They were wearing all dark clothing, including long sleeved matt black tracksuit tops and bottoms. They were all wearing gloves.
Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and as part of their investigation detectives are appealing for anyone who was in the area and believes they may have seen the offenders, or have CCTV or dashcam footage of them, to get in touch.
They also want to hear from anyone who thinks they may know who the offenders are or have any other information that may aid the investigation.
Detective Sergeant Mark Naylor said: “I would like to reassure the community that this is believed to be an isolated incident and we are determined to catch the offenders and bring them to justice.
“The incident has understandably left those who were inside the flat extremely shaken up.
“Burglary is a serious crime in which victims are targeted in their own home, which is the place they should be able to feel most safe.
“Being the victim of a burglary is always a deeply upsetting experience, but it is even more traumatic when the offenders break in while you are at home.
“Enquiries are ongoing in a bid to establish the identities of the offenders and I appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to come forward.
“Perhaps you saw the offenders before they broke into the house or fleeing the area afterwards, either on foot or in a vehicle. If so, please contact us here at Warrington Police Station.
“We also want to speak to anyone who believes they may know who the offenders are or have CCTV or dashcam footage of them, either on foot or in a vehicle.”
Anyone with information or CCTV footage that may be relevant to the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 325243, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Dashcam footage can be submitted online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage.
