Police release image of van in burglary probe
POLICE have released a CCTV picture of a van they want to trace in connection with two burglaries and an aggravated burglary in the same village in the space of a few days.
Lancashire Constabulary officers were called to reports of an aggravated burglary at a property in Higher Lane, Dalton, at 10.49pm on March 11.
The victim heard a bang coming from their garage and when he went to see what was going on, saw two men in the street wearing balaclavas and one carrying a knife.
The man with the knife walked towards the victim, who managed to get back into the safety of his home.
At 6.10pm on March 15 police were called to reports of another burglary at a separate address on the same street.
The victim came downstairs to find her kitchen window has been smashed and valuables, including an iPad and cash, had been taken.
Two days later at 8.39am officers were were called to a report of a third burglary in Dalton, this time on Lees Lane.
Two burglars stole a hybrid bike and a motorcross bike from a barn. The hybrid bike has since been recovered.
No arrests have been made at this stage but enquiries are ongoing and patrols have also been stepped up in the area.
Officers are now keen to find the Citroen van – registration SC16 OSU – as part of their enquiries.
Sgt Darren Carr, from the West Lancs Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We understand that these incidents will have caused a great deal of concern in the community and we are doing all we can to bring those responsible to justice.
“We are now asking for the public’s help and would ask anybody with information or CCTV dashcam footage from the area at those times and dates to get in contact with police.
“We also want to hear from anybody with information on the van in the attached photograph, particularly on the identity of those using it and the vehicle’s movements recent weeks.”
West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper met with police, residents and members of Dalton Parish Council last week and welcomed news that patrols would be increased.
The Labour MP said residents had raised issues of calls to police being redirected to Greater Manchester but said assurances have been made that while this happens during busy times, incidents are still relayed to local teams.
She said: “The police have assured residents and me that they have covert operations ongoing and have stepped up patrols across the parish increasing their visibility to prevent further incidents and be on hand for immediate reaction should there be any further alarm raised.
“Police are also now carrying out door-to-door visits to reassure residents of their presence and provide direct contact details and will also be carrying out vehicle stopchecks.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or email 253@lancashire.police.uk. over