Runcorn man handed community order following rooftop business burglary

A man has been fined and issued with a rehabilitation order following a business burglary at the War Memorial Club in Runcorn.

Clifford Smith appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 16 January.

The 52-year-old of Blantyre Street, Runcorn had previously admitted to the burglary of a commercial property in Runcorn on Saturday 23 September 2023.

The court heard that on the morning of the 23 September, Smith had gained entry to the War Memorial Club on York Street, Runcorn, after climbing on to the roof of the premises and forcibly making his way into the bar area by removing roofing tiles.

Once inside he forced open a till and conducted a search of the premises, making off after the alarm was triggered.

When officers came to review CCTV of the incident, Smith was easily identifiable and was arrested later that day - still wearing the same clothes seen in the footage of the burglary.

Mr Smith was later interviewed by Runcorn police officers and, when faced with overwhelming evidence, admitted the burglary.

Appearing at Chester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 16 January, Smith was handed a rehabilitation order, a £50 fine and was ordered to pay compensation to the Memorial Club.

Following sentencing Police Constable Stuart Beswick, from Runcorn Proactive CID, said:

“Swift decisive action from our team led to the arrest and charge of Clifford Smith.

"I am in no doubt that this action helped to protect other local businesses from falling victim to this type of crime.”

If you have any information regarding a burglary or any other suspicious activity, please contact Cheshire police on 101, or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us

Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.