Detectives appeal for information and issue crime prevention advice following burglary in Penrhyn Avenue, Bootle

We are appealing for information and issuing crime prevention advice following a confrontational burglary in Bootle this afternoon, Friday, 26 July. 

Officers were called to an address in Penrhyn Avenue following reports a of a burglary at around 1pm.

It was reported that two men had knocked at the door claiming that the property next door had a leak and they needed to check the loft. The victim, a woman in her 80’s, refused and the men forced their way into the property. They left a short time later and the victim was left understandably distressed, but uninjured. At this stage it is not believed anything was taken but enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

The men are described as white, of medium build and both in their 40’s. One man was wearing a red jacket and the second was dressed all in black. They are both described as having Liverpool accents.

Forensic, witness and CCTV enquiries are ongoing and detectives are encouraging people to remain vigilant when answering the door to unknown people.

Detective Inspector Cat Walsh said: "Thankfully, the victim was not injured but was left extremely shaken by the ordeal of having her home invaded in such a way. We are working to establish the full circumstances and locate the offenders and would ask anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour, or has any dashcam or CCTV footage from the area to please get in touch.

“I would like to remind people to remain vigilant when answering their own doors and also to look out for their neighbours, particularly if they are elderly or vulnerable in some other way.
"People should never feel uncomfortable or awkward about using their door chain first and then asking the caller to wait outside while they ether call the company they say they are from or verify their identity in some other way.

“You should always ensure that everyone you know and care for checks that their front doors, windows, garage and shed doors are shut and securely locked at all times, and advise them to use house alarms and light timer switches if you have them."

“I would ask anyone who thinks they may have seen the men described to please contact police.”

Please contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref. 19100408844 or @Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111 with any information.

We also have a dedicated hotline and email address on 0151 777 7926 or email operation.castle@merseyside.pnn.police.uk for any information on burglaries #OpCastle and #BeatTheBurglar