MASKED burglars broke into two houses in Ellesmere Port.

Between 4.35pm and 5pm on Tuesday (November 6) the offenders ransacked a home on Rivacre Road before leaving empty-handed.

On the same afternoon, thieves dressed in dark clothing with their faces covered went to Lewis Close where they attempted to burgle another unoccupied house between 5.30pm and 5.45pm.

During both offences a suspicious black Audi S3 was sighted by witnesses.

Detective Sergeant Graeme Carvell, of Ellesmere Port CID, said: “As part of our ongoing investigation we believe both houses were targeted by the same burglars.

“While we follow a number of lines of enquiry we’re keen to hear from anyone who may have any information. If you were in the area around the time the offences occurred and witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in a black Audi please come forward by calling 101.

“Being burgled can make victims lose their sense of safety and security and we’re determined to catch whoever is responsible.”

With the clocks having gone back and the nights now darker a lot sooner officers want to take this opportunity to urge residents to think about security in their homes to help deter criminals.

DS Carvell added: “By taking a couple of minutes to follow these simple steps it will greatly help householders in reducing their chances of becoming a victim.”

Residents are advised to:

  • Consider buying timer switches to turn on table lamps, standard lamps and radios around the home as it gets dark to make it look as if someone is at home
  • Fit external security lights around your home, garage or any sheds etc
  • Ensure that your home is kept secure at all times - even when you are at home
  • Keep desirable items out of view to passers-by - valuables should not be visible from windows and doors in your home
  • The same applies to valuable items stored away in garages or sheds - ensure that garages and sheds are locked with strong padlocks and, ideally, fitted with an alarm

Anyone with information on the burglaries should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries/ quoting IML 233767.

If you have dashcam footage please submit by following the instructions in this link https://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage/ making sure you quote IML 233767.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.