A gang targeting properties in South Lincolnshire and Peterborough is thought to be behind an incident in Pinchbeck where the occupants of a home were held at knifepoint while their property was ransacked.
What police described as ‘a terrifying ordeal’ saw a group raid a home on Bear Lane after climbing though a window.
While one threatened the occupants with a kitchen knife, two men ransacked the home and came away with what’s been described as “an amount of cash and jewellery”.
Cambridgeshire Police have confirmed they and Lincolnshire Police are linking the attack with an appeal The Voice reported on last week over eight incidents in the South Lincolnshire and Peterborough area involving ‘a group of three young, white men wearing balaclavas’.
It included an incident in Fulney Road, Spalding on Monday, September 20 where an elderly man chased the group off after hearing them break glass.
The appeal put out by the Cambridgeshire force said it believed the group was targeting what it thought to be empty properties, but had been disturbed in five out of the original eight incidents.
Lincolnshire Police have come under fire on social media for the delay in issuing an appeal for more information over the incident which occurred between 8.30pm and 8.50pm on Saturday, September 25.
The Voice asked the force for a comment two days later on Monday, September 27, but despite further requests, we’ve not received a response.
Lincolnshire Police did though put out a statement on Facebook on Monday night.
It said: “The whole ordeal was terrifying for the residents. We are appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch. Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anyone or any vehicles out of place or anything that appeared suspicious is asked to give us a call. Our investigation is ongoing.”
Detective constable Zoe Arnold of Spalding CID said: “This is a very unusual break-in, the family were shocked and frightened and we will do everything we can to identify those responsible. I hope that someone has seen something that will assist. I ask that if anyone knows anything or was in the area at the time they get in touch, including any drivers or cyclists who may have dashcam/video footage. They may have seen or caught something on camera relevant to my investigation, without realising it.”
The Lincolnshire Police statement made no mention of the link to the other incidents and the force did not respond when asked for a comment on it.
Inspector Olly Warsop said: “While I understand this is unsettling for our communities, please be assured these offences are being actively investigated, however I would like to remind everyone of simple crime prevention measures.
“We believe this group is targeting properties where it appears no one is in, therefore taking steps to make your home look occupied by leaving a light on, parking a vehicle on the driveway or directly outside, or leaving a television or radio on are all measures which will act as a deterrent.
“While some of the victims have been elderly, we do not believe they are being specifically targeted, however I would urge people to check on elderly family members or neighbours and assist with putting these simple prevention measures in place.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police via [email protected] quoting reference incident 488 of September 25 ring 101 or through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
