Police appeal for information following two burglaries at Chester shopping parade

Officers are appealing for witnesses and video footage after a large quantity of cigarettes and cash were stolen during two burglaries at a retail parade in Chester.

At 6.30am on Monday 20 November police were called to reports of a burglary at Tesco Express on Weston Grove, Upton.

Officers attended and found that unknown offenders had gained entry into a neighbouring charity store, Barnardo’s, after forcing open a rear entrance.

Once inside, they made a hole in the wall and entered the Tesco Express store from where they stole a large quantity of cigarettes.

The offenders also forced entry into the safe in Barnardo’s and stole a quantity of cash.

Police Constable James Wright, of Chester Proactive Policing Team said:

“To stoop as low as stealing from a charity shop is a despicable offence, and we are committed to doing all that we can to trace the people responsible.

“The investigation is currently in its early stages, and we are following a number of lines of enquiry, including CCTV and forensics.

“As part of the investigation we also want to hear from anyone who was in the area between 1am and 2am Monday 20 November and witnessed anything suspicious.

“The same goes for any nearby residents with CCTV footage or video doorbell footage which may aid our investigation.

“We would also like to hear from any motorists who drove past the stores around the time of the incident and believe they may have captured the offenders on their dashcams.”

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police at www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, or call 101, quoting IML 1695173.