Cnwa - We 13Th January 2018 - Cheshire News And Appeals
Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association
Week ending 13th January 2019
Cheshire News & Appeals
Latest Cheshire News
Appeal to trace rightful owners of military memorabilia
Officers are appealing to the public to help trace the owners of a number of items recovered as part of an ongoing investigation into theft from a local charity. The items, which mainly consist of military memorabilia, have been recovered by officers investigating allegations fraud and theft against a member of staff at Blueapple Charity.
Police Constable Naomi Burnell said: “This is a complex investigation and our enquiries are currently ongoing. As part of this we are keen to locate the owners of a number of items which had been donated to the charity, not for sale, but to be displayed at the Blueapple coffee shop on Buttermarket Street in Warrington. Unfortunately there were no contact details for those who kindly donated the memorabilia, so we are unable to contact them directly. These items predominately consist of military memorabilia, but there are also a number of other items including collectible items and furniture. I’d ask anyone who believes that they own any of the items recovered to contact the team here at Warrington on 101 quoting incident number 266 of 19/2/2018.
Alternatively you can contact us on line at https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries, again quoting incident number 266 of 19/2/2018, and including a description of the item you donated to the charity.” Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
A 57-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of theft as part of the investigations; he has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
Chester detectives charge man with six offences
Chester detectives have charged a man with six offences following an attempted robbery at a jewellers in Chester city centre. James Fox, aged 27, of no fixed address has been charged with attempted robbery, possession of an imitation firearm, public order, shoplifting, theft from a car and assaulting a police officer. Fox was remanded and will appear at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday 7 January. 
Leek driver jailed for dangerous driving in Macclesfield
A 33-year-old Leek man was sentenced to more than six years in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
David Leather, from Warrington Drive in Leek had pleaded guilty to the offence at an earlier hearing and appeared at Chester Crown Court today (Monday 7 January) to be sentenced to six years and nine months in prison. He was also banned from driving for eight years. Shortly after midnight on 21 October 2017, cyclist Steven Farrish, 49, from Gawsworth was cycling home alone after a night out in Macclesfield with friends. He was wearing a high visibility garment and his bike was fitted with a flashing rear light. As he was riding along London Road, Lyme Green, David Leather, driving an orange Ford Ranger, collided with him. Leather continued his journey leaving Steven with injuries which sadly proved fatal. Leather abandoned his car some distance away and picked it up later, before reporting to police that he may have collided with a deer. Extensive investigations showed that Leather had been drinking alcohol throughout the previous evening.
PC Iain Condliffe said: “Leather left Steven dying in the road and immediately attempted to cover his tracks and then claim he had collided with a deer. His actions were callous and calculating and he is now facing the consequences. While this result will not bring Steven back, I hope it will help his family and friends in some way to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.”
Call for vigilance following spike in thefts from vehicles in Widnes
Widnes residents are being urged to be vigilant following a spike in the number of thefts from motor vehicles in the town.
On Monday 7 January Cheshire Constabulary received reports of 10 cars having been targeted by thieves in the Widnes town centre and Upton Rocks areas. Unlocked cars and vehicles with valuable items on show have been targeted and the items stolen include handbags, bank cards, mobile phones and clothing.
Inspector Ruth Atherton, from Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “Vehicles have been targeted in town centre car parks and outside residential addresses in Upton Rocks. Enquiries in relation to these incidents are ongoing and patrols are being stepped up in those areas in a bid to actively target those responsible. The majority of the incidents involved vehicles that were left insecure or had valuable items on show. As a result we are urging vehicle owners to be vigilant and to take steps to reduce their chances of becoming victims of this type of crime. Whether you are going shopping or to the gym or leaving your car outside your home overnight, please ensure that your vehicle is secure and does not have any items of value on show. I also urge residents to report any suspicious activity to the police to aid our ongoing battle against vehicle crime and help us to bring offenders to justice.”
Cheshire Constabulary’s anti-theft advice for vehicle owners is:
- Try to park your vehicle in well-lit areas
- Ensure that your vehicle is locked and secure with the windows up whenever you are not inside it, even if you are only leaving it unattended for a brief moment
- Remember to activate your alarm and/or steering lock whenever you get out of your vehicle
- Never leave valuable items inside your vehicle, such as mobile phones, laptops and cash
- Do not leave anything that may attract an opportunist thief visible in your vehicle and never be attempted to hide valuable items in the glovebox or under seats
- Do not forget to remove your satnav and the fascia of your car stereo when you get out of the vehicle − ensure that you detach the cradle
- Also remember to wipe away the mark from the windscreen that is left by the suction pad, as this is a telltale sign for thieves that you have a satnav.
Anyone with any information about vehicle crime in Widnes is urged to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries . Information can also be reported anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Appeal following robbery in Waverton
Chester officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward after robbers targeted a delivery driver in Waverton.
Shortly after 7am on Tuesday 8 January a 44-year-old delivery driver parked his heavy goods vehicle at the rear of the One Stop Shop on Millway Road. The man got out of his van and began to unload the vehicle when he was approached by a number of men wearing dark clothing and masks. Fearing for his safety, the man sought refuge in the shop and called the police. Officers swiftly attended the scene and on arrival they discovered that a quantity of alcohol and cigarettes had been stolen from the van. Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or anyone who was driving in the area and has any dashcam footage which may aid the investigation.
Detective Constable Leanne Abbott said: “This investigation is currently in its early stages and we are following a number of lines of enquiry. We believe that there may have been a number of people in the area at the time of this incident and I’m keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have witnessed anything suspicious. I’d ask anyone with any information, no matter how small, to contact the team here at Chester on 101.”
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 289252, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. To submit dashcam footage go online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage.
Tribute issued following fatal collision in Warrington
The family of a man who died following a collision in Warrington have issued a tribute.
Athanasios (Nassi) Alan Petras, 20, died after his black Yahama motorcycle was involved in a collision with a white HGV on the A49 Wilderspool Causeway at around 3.40pm on Tuesday 8 January. Today, Thursday 10 January, Nassi’s family has issued the following tribute: “Nassi was such a beautiful son, brother, family member, friend and work colleague. “He was kind hearted, generous, would help anyone and was loved by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. He will be forever missed and always in our hearts.” Nassi’s family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.
Force taking part in national 'Speed Enforcement' campaign
Cheshire Constabulary is taking part in a national crackdown on speeding motorists. The three-week long 'Speed Enforcement' campaign is being co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).
Held across the UK from Monday January 7 to Sunday January 27, the campaign aims to:
- Reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on UK roads
- Tackle irresponsible and dangerous drivers committing speeding offences
- Increase awareness of the dangers – both to offenders and to other road users – of speeding
- Encourage motorists to drive at speeds that are safe for the road environment and to always adhere to speed limits.
Inspector Steve Griffiths, from Cheshire’s Roads Policing Team, said: “Speeding can have fatal consequences – driving at an unsafe speed has been shown to be a contributory factor in nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of road deaths. Inappropriate speed is one of the fatal four offences that Cheshire Constabulary actively tackles all year round, with the others being drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt while driving and using a handheld mobile device while driving. We are placing extra emphasis on tackling speeding this month as we try to reduce the number of casualties and fatalities on Cheshire’s roads and motorways. More than twice as many people (41) died on the county’s roads and motorways last year than they did in 2017, and this year there has already been five fatal collisions in just nine days in Cheshire, which is clearly a big concern for us. While enquiries into the causes of many of these incidents are ongoing, they act as a reminder of the importance of road safety, which is a critical issue for all communities. Most people have been affected at some point by injury or death caused by a collision and it is essential that we do everything we can to reduce the number of incidents by educating drivers and enforcing speed limits. We will do this with support from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and our other partners.”
Drivers and riders travelling at unsafe speeds – whether that be in excess of the speed limit or too fast for the conditions, for example bad weather, poor visibility or high pedestrian activity – take longer to stop and are more likely to crash. Inappropriate speed also magnifies other driver errors, such as driving too close to other vehicles or driving when tired or distracted, multiplying the chances of causing an accident.
Insp Griffiths added: “One of the comments we often hear is that we should be doing more important things with our time like catching burglars rather than catching speeding motorists. My response is that speed kills and preventing somebody from dying on the road has to be one of our priorities. It is important that everyone realises that speed limits are in place for a reason. Travelling at excess speeds on public roads does not allow a driver or rider to travel safely with time to deal with things like changes in driving conditions and actions taken by other road users. You may want to make up time when running late, but travelling at excess speed could be the difference between a safe journey and one that ends in a fatality. It doesn’t matter how experienced a driver you are, it’s just not worth the risk. These are the messages that we will be giving motorists as we support the NPCC’s national campaign with local activities and increased enforcement. Local policing units, including Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), will be conducting initiatives on their beats on roads that communities have raised concerns about. Cheshire’s Roads Policing Unit will be supporting these initiatives as well as proactively tackling speeding on roads which have a history of serious collisions.”
If prosecuted for speeding, the minimum penalty is a £100 fine and three penalty points. You could be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of three years.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire David Keane said: “Road safety is one of my key priorities and I am committed to working with partners to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Cheshire roads and motorways. With an increased number of serious incidents and fatalities on our roads in recent times, it’s more important than ever that the police are educating motorists about the dangers their careless actions could have. One death is too many and it is pleasing to see the work that Cheshire Constabulary is undertaking to help make the county’s roads safer. But it is important that people across Cheshire support this work and campaigns like 'Speed Enforcement' as all drivers and riders have a part to play in road safety.”
Man jailed following violent robbery at Warrington convenience store
A man who violently assaulted a couple at their shop in Warrington has been jailed.Ian Shipley, 35, of no fixed address, was sentenced to seven years six months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 10 January after earlier pleading guilty to attempted robbery, wound/inflict grievous bodily harm without intents and actual bodily harm. He was also ordered to serve a further two years six months on licence and handed a ten year restraining order. Shipley carried out the brutal attack on Thursday 13 September 2018 at the Local Express Store on Concorde Way.
He entered the building at around 10pm when the owners, a 65-year-old man and his 59-year-old wife, were alone in the store. Once inside he first grabbed hold of the man from behind and repeatedly hit him on the head with a bottle and demanded that he opened the till. Fearing for her husband’s safety, the woman attempted to intervene, only to also be assaulted by Shipley, who punched her in the face several times. Following the sustained attack, the pair managed to flee the store, with the owner dragging himself across the floor in a desperate attempt to seek help from passers-by. Alone in the store, Shipley made his way behind the counter. He attempted to access the tills before exiting the store empty handed, calmly stepping over the owner as he lay seriously injured on the floor.
Detective Constable Carl Davis said: “The level of brutality used by Shipley was appalling and inexcusable. He carried out a sustained and violent attack on the victims despite the fact that they did not show any aggression towards him at any stage. His actions in using his superior power and strength to repeatedly attack the victims were cruel and cowardly. The incident left the victims with a number of serious injuries, including a fractured cheekbone. While the injuries they sustained will heal over time, the memories of Shipley’s shocking attack will stay with them forever. However I hope that the sentence handed to him today will help to provide some closure and allow them to move on with their lives.”
Former Scout Master from Ellesmere Port jailed for child sex offences
A former Scout Master from Ellesmere Port has been jailed after admitting a string of child sex charges.Terence Hamblett pleaded guilty to all 20 offences he was charged with – including inciting another man to sexually abuse his own infant son on a webcam on multiple occasions for Hamblett’s sexual gratification – at Chester Crown Court on 12 November 2018. The 44-year-old, who used to run a Scouts group in Ellesmere Port, returned to the court for sentencing on Thursday 10 January, where he was jailed for 12 years. Cheshire Constabulary’s investigation into Hamblett’s activities began on 8 September 2016 following information received from another police force.
Officers arrested him on suspicion of possessing, making and distributing indecent images of children and after executing a search warrant at his home in Seymour Drive, Ellesmere Port, they seized a number of internet-enabled devices. Forensic examination of these devices revealed 922 indecent images and videos of children being sexually exploited, including 233 of category A (the most serious type). They also revealed that Hamblett had distributed more than 600 files containing child sexual abuse material to victims and other offenders via Skype. Hamblett, using the Skype accounts bennyboy4900 and jordbroomy, pretended to be a teenage boy when communicating with victims. Claiming to have a broken webcam to conceal his true age and identity, he sent teenage boys indecent images and videos in exchange for them performing sexual acts for him on a webcam.
Detectives also uncovered evidence of Hamblett inciting a fellow paedophile to sexually abuse his own infant son on a webcam during their communications via Skype over a three-year period. Nearly 14,000 messages were sent between the two men, which included the exchange of indecent images. The messages showed that Hamblett liked to be referred to as ‘master’. Further investigation of Hamblett’s offending revealed that he had installed a hidden camera in the ceiling of the toilets of a café he ran at JTF Mega Discount Warehouse in Stoke-on-Trent. Video footage of him setting up the camera was found on one of his laptops, as were 12 individual clips of two teenage boys using the toilet and getting changed.
Detective Constable Andy Kent, of Cheshire Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team, said: “This was a highly complex investigation involving thousands of images and videos, more than one-and-a-half million Skype messages and the identification of a large number of victims and other offenders both in the UK and abroad. As a result of the work by our dedicated officers we have been able to show that Hamblett is a professional paedophile who used the internet and social media to sexually exploit vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification. He possessed, made and distributed an extremely large number of images and videos of children being sexually exploited and abused and he duped teenage boys into performing sexual acts for him on a webcam by concealing his true age and identity. Hamblett even incited another paedophile to abuse the fellow offender’s infant son, again asking them to do this on a webcam so that he could watch. He also installed a hidden camera in the toilets of a café he ran in Stoke-on-Trent and kept video footage of teenage boys using the facilities and getting undressed. Thankfully Hamblett is now behind bars serving a significant prison sentence and he can no longer sexually exploit and pose a threat to children. We are committed to pursuing and bringing to justice those who engage in online child sexual exploitation and play a part in the sexual abuse of children and I would like to thank all the officers involved in the investigation for their hard work in unravelling the extent of Hamblett’s offending and securing this conviction.”
On top of his custodial sentence Hamblett was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
Chief Inspector Alex McMillan, from Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit, said: “This case highlights the fact that people you communicate with on Skype and other forms of social media may not be who they claim to be. It also highlights the need for parents and guardians to warn their children of the dangers of communicating with people via social media, to check that they are using those things safely and to keep an eye out for any warning signs of sexual exploitation. I hope that Hamblett’s conviction encourages anyone who has been subjected to similar offending to report it to the police. They should feel confident that they will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers and other support agencies we work alongside. All victims will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and the needs of the victim as our main priority.”
To report a sexual offence call Cheshire Police on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111. For advice on identifying signs of sexual exploitation visit www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect/child-sexual-exploitation/signs-symptoms-and-effects.
Man charged with burglary involving Chester pub
A 40-year-old man has been charged with burglary following a break-in at a pub in Chester. Stephen Prior, of no fixed address, has been charged with one burglary offence. He has been remanded into custody and will appear at Chester Crown Court on 6 February. The charge relates to a burglary at a pub on Northgate Street on Monday 7 January where a considerable amount of money was stolen.
Man arrested in Chester following drugs warrant
A man has been arrested after a drugs warrant was executed at an address in Chester. At 6.30am this morning (Friday 11 January) officers from Chester local policing unit raided an address on Noble Close. A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class B drug (cannabis) and has been released under investigation. Anyone with any information in relation to drug activity in their area is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101, give details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Two men charged following theft from a vehicle in Crewe
Officers from Crewe local policing unit have charged two men after items were stolen from a car in Crewe. Robert James, 51 , and Peter Turner, 48, were both arrested on Thursday 10 January 2019 after an incident on Richard Moon Street. The pair were subsequently charged with theft from a motor vehicle. Both men are set to appear at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 11 November.
Latest Cheshire Appeals
Crewe detectives release CCTV images following assault in supermarketDetectives in Crewe have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in-connection with a serious assault at a supermarket in Crewe.
Between 7.30pm and 7.55pm on Friday 4 January a man walked into a supermarket on Nantwich Road and punched a 23-year-old man inside before leaving the shop. The suspect then returns to the supermarket a short time later armed with a sword and attacks the same man inside. The victim was able to defend himself and received a minor injury which required hospital treatment. The attacker left the scene empty handed.
Detective Inspector Claire Jesson, of Crewe CID, said: “The victim is incredibly lucky not to have been seriously injured following what was a really nasty attack. I have released CCTV images of two people we would like to speak to who could help with our investigation. I want to appeal to the public to come forward with any information – no matter how small to help us find those responsible.” Please call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 286616, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Appeal after two shotguns stolen during burglary
Officers from Crewe CID are appealing for information from the public after two shotguns were stolen during a burglary near Nantwich.
Some time between 6.20pm on Friday 4 January and 1am on Saturday 5 January unknown offenders broke into a house in Norbury. Once inside the property they conducted an untidy search and stole a number of items, including a quantity of cash and two 12-bore shotguns. An investigation into the incident has been launched and officers are appealing for anyone with information regarding the offenders or the whereabouts of the stolen shotguns to get in touch.
Detective Constable Stacey Thompson said: “Enquiries in relation to this incident are ongoing and I’m keen to hear from anyone with any information which may assist our investigation. If anyone in the local community is offered shotguns for sale or has information as to the whereabouts of these items please contact the team here at Crewe on 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers. Both of them are 12-bore shotguns, with one being a Miroku.” Anyone with information or footage that may help officers with their ongoing investigation should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 286799, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Man charged following Sandbach burglary
Officers investigating a burglary at a shop in Sandbach have charged a man in connection to the incident. The burglary at the High Street store occurred in the early hours of Friday 28 December. Following enquiries officers arrested a 45-year-old man from Sandbach in relation to the incident. Wayne Moss, of Old Middlewich Road, has subsequently been charged with burglary other than a dwelling. He appeared at Crewe Magistrates' Court on Monday 7 January where he was remanded in custody. He is next due to appear at Chester Crown Court on Monday 11 February 2019.
Appeal for information after a police car is damaged in Widnes
Officers are appealing for information from the public after an object hit a police car and smashed a window as it was being driven in Widnes.
The incident happened after two Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) had attempted to disperse a group of youths while undertaking a routine patrol of Upton Rocks Park shortly after 9pm on Friday 4 January. They were driving along Queensbury Way when the object hit their police car and smashed the rear driver’s side window. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and Cheshire Constabulary is urging anyone who witnessed, or has CCTV or dashcam footage of, anything that may aid their investigation to come forward. Officers also want to speak to anyone with information regarding who threw the object at the car.
Sergeant Neil Edgar said: “This reckless incident has left the PCSOs shaken up and has taken a police car used to help serve the public off the road. The incident could have been far worse had the object hit the PCSOs in the vehicle as it was being driven along Queensbury Way in Widnes. It is only due to luck that they were not injured. We are determined to find out who threw the object at the car and make them face the consequences of their actions and I urge anyone with information that may help our investigation to get in touch. If you were in the area and saw anything that may be relevant please contact the team here at Widnes Police Station. The same goes for anyone who believes they may have information regarding the identity of whoever threw the object at the police car.”
Anyone with information or footage that may help officers with their ongoing investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 286660, 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 .
Appeal after boy is assaulted and has his bike stolen in Chester
Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a 15-year-old boy was assaulted and had his bicycle stolen in Chester.
At around 3.05pm on Tuesday 8 January the local teenager was riding his bike through a wooded area behind The Arches Community Primary School. As he rode towards Durham Road a male blocked his path and threatened him. The offender then punched the victim in the face and stole his bike, riding it away through the wooded area onto Durham Road. The bike is a black Boardman MTR 8.8 full suspension 27.5’ mountain bike with a distinctive bright orange frame and the offender is described as white, around 5’ 10” tall with a proportionate build. He was wearing a black balaclava and blue Puffa-style coat with the hood up and he spoke with a local accent.
Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and detectives want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and believes they may have seen something that could be relevant to the investigation. They are also urging anyone with any information about the offender or the stolen bike to get in touch.
Detective Constable Vikki Gorman said: “Thankfully the victim only sustained minor injuries and did not need to go to hospital, but he was subjected to a terrifying ordeal and has understandably been left extremely shaken up. We are determined to find out who was responsible for the robbery and make them face the consequences of their actions. Enquiries into the incident – which occurred soon after children were let out of school to make their way home – are ongoing and I appeal for anyone who witnessed the robbery or saw anything else that may aid our investigation to come forward. The same goes for anyone who believes they may know who the offender is or have information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen mountain bike. I also want to hear from anyone who believes they may have CCTV footage of the offender, either before he stole the bike or afterwards.”
Anyone with information or CCTV footage that may help detectives with their ongoing investigation should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 289605, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Appeal for witnesses following fatal collision in Warrington
Officers from Cheshire Police have launched an investigation after a 20-year-old man died following a collision In Warrington.
At around 3.40pm on Tuesday 8 January officers were called to reports of a collision on the A49 Wilderspool Causeway. Officers attended the scene and found there had been a collision between a white HGV and a black Yahama motorcycle near to the junction of Causeway Avenue. Sadly the rider of the motorcycle - a 20-year-old man from Latchford - died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. The driver of the HGV - a 69-year-old man from Bishop Auckland - was uninjured.
Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and officers are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information or dashcam footage which may aid the investigation. Anyone with information in relation to the collision should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 289647, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. To submit dashcam footage go online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage.
Warrington community urged to be vigilant after burglars pretend to be police officers
Detectives are urging the elderly community to be extra vigilant after a number of men pretending to be the police burgled two homes in Warrington.
On both occasions the men told the victims they were plain clothed officers and that a burglary had either taken place at their home or a burglar was currently in their home. The men, all wearing ski masks, then entered the house and threatened the people inside before stealing money. The first aggravated burglary took place at 8.45pm on Friday 4 January at a house on Weir Street. Three men knocked on the 72-year-old woman’s door and ransacked her home taking money from the house. The second aggravated burglary took place at 8.20pm on Wednesday 9 January at a house on Clap Gates Crescent. The men entered the house and threatened a 74-year-old man before taking a quantity of cash.
Detective Sergeant Tom Hall, of Warrington local policing unit, said: “We believe both of these incidents to be linked and are doing everything we can to find those responsible. I want to urge local residents, in particular the elderly community, to be extra vigilant and for family and friends to take extra care of those who are most vulnerable. A police officer dressed in plain clothing will always carry a form of identification and I would advise people to ask for proof of ID before letting anyone into their home. If you think you may have seen a group of men wearing ski masks who appeared to be acting suspiciously please do come forward by calling 101.”
Please call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 290674 for the Clap Gates Crescent burglary and IML 286657 for the Weir Street burglary, give details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Appeal after boy is threatened and has his bike stolen in WidnesDetectives are appealing for information after a 13-year-old boy was threatened and had his bicycle stolen in Widnes.
At around 4.50pm on Tuesday 8 December the victim noticed an unknown male walking towards his mountain bike, which he had left propped up by Our Lady Of Perpetual Succour RC Church on Mayfield Avenue as he played with friends. The victim ran towards the bike, got on it and attempted to ride away. But the unknown male pushed him off the bike and got on it himself.
He then rode off onto Delamere Avenue, but not before threatening the victim, who had attempted to follow him on foot. The offender, who was in the area with another male, is described as around 15 years old with a slim build. He was wearing shiny black bottoms and a silvery grey coat with the hood pulled up and a cap or another coat underneath it. The bicycle he stole was an orange Diamondback prototype mountain bike with a ripped seat.
Detectives are urging anyone with information regarding the bike's whereabouts or the identity of the offender to get in touch. They also want to hear from anyone who witnessed, or has dashcam or CCTV footage of, anything that may aid their investigation into the incident. Detective Constable James Simpson said: “As well as losing his bike the victim has understandably been left shaken up by the incident. We are determined to find out who stole his bike, have it reunited with its rightful owner and make the offender face the consequences of his actions. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and we want to speak to anyone who witnessed it or thinks they many have seen, or have CCTV or dashcam footage of, the offender before or after he stole the bike. The same goes for anyone who believes they may be able to help us identify who the offender is and the location of the stolen bike.”
Anyone with information or CCTV footage that may help detectives with their ongoing investigation should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 289729, 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 .
Message Sent By
Clare Harrison (CNWA, MSA, Cheshire)
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