Appeal for information following Barnton burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses and video footage following a burglary at a residential address in Barnton.

During the early hours of Monday 8 June, a black Land Rover Discovery, believed to be a stolen vehicle, made off from police on the outskirts of Northwich.

A search of the area was undertaken, and the car was later found abandoned on Hill Top in Barnton.

Later that day at 8.50am police were contacted by a resident on nearby Hickson Street, who reported a burglary at their address.

The caller reported that the offenders had forced entry into their address and stolen the keys to a blue Mazda CX-5, before fleeing the scene in the stolen car.

Enquiries in relation to the incidents are ongoing, and detectives believed that they may be linked.

As part of their enquiries, officers are urging residents living between Hill Top and Hickson Street to check their CCTV footage between 1.30am and 4.30am on 8 June, to see if they have any footage which may aid the investigation.

The two suspects who made off from the stolen car were both men, believed to be wearing balaclavas. One was wearing black clothing, and one was wearing grey clothing.

Police are also urging residents to ensure their homes are always kept secure.

Police Constable Ed Whalley, of Northwich Proactive CID said:

“I understand the concerns these incidents are likely to cause, and I want to reassure residents that we are committed to doing all we can to identify the people responsible.

“As part of our ongoing enquiries, I’m keen to hear from anyone with any CCTV footage which may aid our investigation.

“The same goes for anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area around the time of the incident.” 

Anyone with any information in relation to the incidents is asked to contact Cheshire police on 101, or at www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us quoting IML 2345847.

PC Whalley added:

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind anyone living or working in and around Northwich to be vigilant and to make it as difficult as possible for criminals to break into their homes, outbuildings, and businesses.

“You can do this by following our anti-burglary advice.”

The force’s tips for deterring would-be burglars include:

• Ensure that all windows are closed, and doors are locked at your property, even when you are at home or in the garden
• Use security devices, such as steering locks, to keep vehicles secure
• Consider use of a faraday bag or faraday box to secure vehicle keys.
• If you have CCTV or doorbell cameras, ensure they are working and positioned correctly.
• Never leave your car keys, house keys, purse or wallet on display near a door or window
• Use the security measures on modern windows, which allow them to let some air in but still be locked
• Keep all valuables out of sight of prying eyes
• Always avoid keeping large amounts of cash in your home
• If you are replacing or fitting new doors and windows, get ones that are certified to British Standard BS7950 (windows) or PAS 24-1 (doors)
• Fit mortise locks (Kitemarked BS3621) to all front and back doors, as well as locks to all windows which are easy to reach
• Have a burglar alarm fitted, but make sure that it is installed