Spate of robberies in Northamptonshire as men target home in village near Banbury

Between 9.30pm and 9.40pm on Wednesday, two men knocked on the door of a house in Main Street, Charlton near Brackley. The men, who were wearing black clothing and balaclavas, asked the victim if her car was parked outside and suggested she should move it.

She said she would and when she went to close the door, the men forced their way through the door, pushing her and asking ‘where is the money?’.

They were disturbed by a concerned neighbour, ran off and got into a four-door metallic blue Mercedes hatchback, with twin exhausts and an AMG badge on the back.

They stole a black leather handbag.

Two other incidents happened in Wellingborough as well as Irchester and Northampton and Detective Inspector Danny Gasson is urging resident to be extra vigilant.

He said: “While we cannot at this stage say whether these incidents are linked, we do know there have been a number of similar incidents in recent weeks, where the offenders appear to be targeting the homes of elderly or vulnerable victims.

“The victims have understandably been left extremely shaken and upset following these incidents. An investigation is ongoing and I would urge anyone who has any information about who may be committing these crimes to call us in confidence or, if they would prefer to remain anonymous, to contact Crimestoppers.

“In the meantime I would encourage residents to be extra vigilant and urge people, especially the elderly or those living alone, never to open the door to anyone they are not expecting.

“If you do not recognise the caller, speak to them without opening the door. A genuine caller will understand – and if you’re not sure, don’t open the door.”

Witnesses to any of these incident, or anyone with information about the people involved or the vehicles they use, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555.”