Investigation stepped up after break-ins
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BURGLARS have struck at another church in Runcorn sparking fears that the same gang is targeting places of worship.
Police said officers learned shortly before 9am on Wednesday, December 4, that Vale Community Church on Murdishaw Avenue had been broken into and ransacked.
Intruders had broken two windows to gain entry at some point between 8.30pm on Tuesday, December 3, and 8.45am on Wednesday,
December 4.
Two days later, at 3.30am on Friday, December 6, three crooks fled Brookvale
Supper Bar on Porthleven Road, when police responded to reports of a burglary.
A search, supported by a dog unit, resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old man on suspicion of attempted burglary.
He has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
Police said there is reason to suspect that the church burglary might be linked to similar offences at Trinity Methodist Church on Main Street in Halton Village on November 5-6, and St Mark’s Church in Beechwood at some point between November 5 and November 9.
In another burglary, Brookvale Primary School was burgled on November 21, when crooks pilfered a Children In Need charity collection.
Police have not linked the
Brookvale Primary and chip shop break-in to the church burglaries.
Anyone with any information in connection with the Vale Community Church burglary should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 580263.
For Brookvale Supper Bar, quote IML 581793.
Details and CCTV or dashcam footage can also be provided at www.cheshire. police.uk or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.