WISTASTON has been targeted by a gang of burglars who have made at least 16 house raids in two months.

The gang of youths has centred on the Broughton Lane and Laidon Avenue areas, stealing jewellery cash and Doulton figures from empty or insecure property.

Detective Sergeant Ian Goodwin said they were breaking into houses through ground floor windows using tools found on the premises.

"The incidents are occuring either during the afternoon, when people are in their gardens, or at night, when the premises are unoccupied, and we think it's the same people responsible," he said.

"We also think they are on foot or push bikes and they may be using the Wistaston Brook, which runs through that area, to access different houses."

He added that several reports had been made of three suspiscious youths in the area.

A slim white male aged 15-18, 5ft 5ins tall, with fair hair and a baby face. He has been seen wearing a cream baseball cap and distinctive white and blue trainers.

Another slim white male, around 5ft 7ins tall, with dark hair and wearing a black puffer-style jacket.

A stocky white male, aged 16, with short black hair and wearing a black bubble-style jacket.

D.S.Goodwin offered advice to residents concerned about the security of their homes.

"The gang seems to be going around the back of people's houses and residents have got to make sure they can't get around the back, whether they are in or not," he said.

"If they are going out they should try and get a neighbour to keep an eye on their property."

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