Gang target elderly couple in house raid Men pretended to be police officers and stole cash from pensioners
AGANG of four masked thugs ransacked the home of an elderly couple after forcing their way in claiming to be police officers.
The burglars knocked on the door of the house in Aughton, near to the Dog and Gun Inn, and rushed through when a woman in her 80s opened the door.
The group initially claimed to be police officers and spent about 20 minutes searching through the house with the terrified couple inside.
They eventually left with a haul of cash, while it was not immediately clear what else was taken.
The victims avoided physical injury but were left “very shaken up” after the terrifying ordeal.
Appealing for any witnesses to come forward, police said that the men involved were wearing masks and dark clothing and are described as white and having potentially Irish or Geordie accents.
One was approximately 6ft tall and aged 30-35, the others were around 20-30 years old and of stocky builds.
DC Kate Finch from Ormskirk Police said: “To subject an elderly couple in their 80s to this ordeal, in their own home where they should be and feel safe, is utterly callous. “They must have been terrified. “Thankfully they were not physically injured but they are understandably very shaken up after their ordeal.
“Whilst we know that some money was taken, we are still going through the house to check whether anything else was stolen during the raid.
“I am asking anyone who saw or has any information about it to speak to us.”
DC Finch added: “Whilst we don’t yet know whether this couple were deliberately targeted, we have stepped up patrols in the area and I would encourage anyone with concerns to approach an officer.
“I would also advise people to stop before they answer the door, make sure you have your chain or door bar in place and always check for ID before letting anyone in.
“If you are not expecting a visitor, do not know who is at the door or feel uncomfortable, do not open the door.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident reference 1110 of November 2. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.