Balaclava wearing thieves target Banbury home in aggravated burglary

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to the burglary, which occurred last weekend.

The incident after four men rang the doorbell of a property in Gilkes Yard, Banbury, around 9.50pm on Sunday March 8.

When the occupant did not answer one of the men forced entry by kicking open the front door.

All four men entered the property making demands for money and drugs. One of the men is believed to have had a knife, but did not use this against the victim.

Two mobile phones and a laptop were stolen. The two mobile phones were later recovered from a nearby garden.

The four men left the property and ran in the direction of Broughton Road, turning left towards Bath Road.

The four offenders were described as Asian or black men, in their twenties, all around 5 feet 7 inches tall and of slim build. They were all wearing black hooded tops, black jogging bottoms and black racing driver style balaclavas.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Claire Rennie based at Banbury police station said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim.

“I am appealing for any witnesses, or anyone who may have information about this incident, to please come forward.

“I would also ask any residents or motorists who were in the local area around the time of this burglary to check any CCTV or dash-cam footage in case it may have captured something that could assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information can contact the police by calling the non-emergency number 101, or make a report online quoting reference 43200079394.

Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.