Woman threatened and locked in cupboard during robbery

A woman was threatened then locked in a cupboard during a robbery in her own home.

At 6.25pm on Wednesday 28 January 2015, three men forced their way into the Chester Avenue home of the 22-year-old before walking up to her in the kitchen.

They demanded jewellery and money before issuing threats.

She gave them jewellery, including a bangle and earrings, and money.

The offenders took her phone so she could not phone police and locked her in a cupboard in the bedroom before leaving.

A few minutes later family members came back and opened the cupboard before police were called.

One man is described as white, was tall, of skinny build, in his 20s, had grey/blue eyes, wore a light grey tracksuit, tracksuit bottoms tucked into grey socks, black trainers, a balaclava, gloves and spoke with a local accent.

The second was white, skinny, wore a black tracksuit with the hood up, a balaclava, black gloves with black grip on the finger tips and red writing.

The third was white, smaller than the first two offenders, of average build, wore a grey tracksuit with a large hood, a balaclava and gloves.

Police Constable Lorraine Norbury said: “To be confronted by three men in your own home, threatened and then locked in a cupboard must have been terrifying and the victim is finding it extremely difficult to get over what happened.

“The jewellery is of sentimental value to the family and they are desperate for it to be returned. We have issued images of what was taken and I would urge anyone who recognises them or has been approached by someone to buy them, to phone police immediately.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8432 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.