Aggravated Burglary In Astley Burf Near Stourport

Police are appealing for witnesses and information about an aggravated burglary that occurred in a village near Stourport on Monday evening (30 January).

Between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, three men described as being in their late teens or early 20s broken into a cottage in Astley Burf by forcing the back door. The occupant, a man in his 60s, was at home and they demanded cash from him.  

They then forced him to open his gun cabinet and stole two shotguns as well as a small quantity of cash. The firearms were two 12-bore side-by-side shotguns, one made by Victor Sarasqueta and the other by W.J. Jeffery.

The men tied up their victim before leaving the property and he managed to free himself later and alert the police.

Detective Sergeant Rebecca Love from Malvern Hills CID said: "While this was a very distressing incident for the homeowner, thankfully no violence was used. We believe this was an isolated incident.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Astley Burf area to contact the police.

"The victim didn't see how the criminals left, but given that the cottage is in an isolated location, we would expect a vehicle was used.

"Astley Burf is a small, quiet and usually peaceful place, so I would like to hear from anyone who saw anything out of the ordinary in the village in the last few weeks, perhaps a suspicious vehicle or someone paying an unusual amount of interest in properties around the village.

"Also, if anyone has seen these two distinctive shotguns or has been offered them for sale, then please contact West Mercia Police."

DS Love can be contacted via the non-emergency police number 101, or information can be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Issued: Thursday 2 February 2012