Police appeal after pair of shotguns stolen in raid on West Lancashire home

Nov 1 2012 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

THIEVES made off with two shotguns stolen in a raid on a rural home while the owners were on holiday.

Police have expressed concerns that the firearms were now “in the hands of the wrong people” and launched an immediate appeal for information following the break-in.

And those living in rural or remote areas across West Lancashire have been warned to take steps to protect their homes when they are out following a spate of burglaries in the last week. The legally-owned weapons stolen in the raid are a Beretta 12 Bore over and under shotgun, serial number R687405 worth £300, and a Mossberg .410 pump action shotgun, serial number T687622 worth £500. The crime is believed to have taken place between midnight on October 19 and 9,45am on October 24.

Thieves approached a barn conversion in rural land off Robin Hood Lane, Wrightington. They got in through a back door and went into a room containing a gun cabinet which they forced open.

Sgt Steve Monk said: “It’s always a concern when firearms are in the hands of the wrong people. This is an ongoing investigation and we would appeal for anybody who knows the current whereabouts of the weapons or have any information on them to call us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

On Monday night, two properties on Cottage Lane were targeted, with a black Ford Fiesta stolen, and at the same time, around 9.30pm, a home on Southport Rd, Scarisbrick, was targeted, with a white Honda Civic stolen. Police are now urging people going away to leave a light on and check the home is secure before they leave.