Merseyside Police have launched an investigation after two Tesco Express stores on Longmoor Lane were burgled in the early hours of the morning. Detectives believe the two incidents, which occurred just hours apart, are linked and involved a group of four males who fled the scenes on electric motorbikes.
The raids resulted in the theft of cash and caused damage to one of the stores. Authorities are now appealing to the public for information, particularly dashcam footage from drivers who were in the area at the time.
Key Takeaways
- Two Tesco Express stores on Longmoor Lane in Liverpool were burgled overnight.
- The first incident occurred in Fazakerley at 00:40 BST, with the second happening at 02:45 BST.
- Police suspect a gang of four males wearing balaclavas used Sur Ron electric motorbikes as getaway vehicles.
- An unspecified amount of cash was stolen, and damage was caused to the doors of the first store.
- Merseyside Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to aid the investigation.
Coordinated Burglaries Unfold
The sequence of events began shortly after midnight. The first Tesco Express, located on Longmoor Lane in Fazakerley, was targeted at approximately 00:40 BST. According to police reports, the offenders forced entry into the building, causing significant damage to the doors in the process. Once inside, they stole a quantity of cash before making their escape.
Just over two hours later, a second incident was reported. At 02:45 BST, another Tesco Express store, situated about 1.5 miles (2.4km) further along the same road, was also burgled. In both cases, the method and the description of the suspects were strikingly similar, leading investigators to treat the raids as connected.
Timeline of Events
- 00:40 BST: First burglary at Tesco Express, Longmoor Lane, Fazakerley.
- 02:45 BST: Second burglary at another Tesco Express on Longmoor Lane.
- Time Between Incidents: 2 hours and 5 minutes.
- Distance Between Stores: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4km).
Police Launch Investigation and Appeal
Merseyside Police have confirmed that an active investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible. The consistent details from both crime scenes have provided a clear line of inquiry for the detectives leading the case.
In both burglaries, witnesses reported seeing four males, all wearing balaclavas to conceal their identities, leaving the area at high speed. The use of Sur Ron electric motorbikes has been highlighted by police as a key detail in the suspects' method of operation.
Detective Inspector Paula Jones, who is overseeing the investigation, has issued a public appeal for assistance. She emphasized the importance of any potential evidence that could help trace the suspects' movements before and after the burglaries.
"We believe these two burglaries are linked and are working to identify the individuals involved. I would ask anyone who was in the area of Longmoor Lane, especially taxi or delivery drivers, to check their dashcams to see if they captured anything significant."
Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward. The focus on dashcam footage from professional drivers is due to the high likelihood they were operating on the roads during the specific times of the incidents.
The Challenge of Electric Motorbikes in Policing
Sur Ron bikes and similar high-powered electric motorbikes are increasingly being used in criminal activities across the UK. Their lightweight design, high speed, and near-silent operation make them effective for quick getaways. They can often navigate narrow spaces inaccessible to police cars and are difficult to trace as many are used without registration plates. This poses a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies attempting to tackle crimes involving these vehicles.
Community Impact and Business Security
The targeting of local convenience stores has raised concerns among residents and business owners in the Fazakerley area. These shops serve as essential hubs for the community, and such incidents can create a sense of unease. The damage to the store and the theft of cash represent a direct financial loss for the business and can lead to temporary disruptions for customers.
Overnight burglaries on retail premises often prompt reviews of security measures. Businesses may consider enhancing their CCTV systems, reinforcing entry points, or implementing other deterrents to prevent future occurrences. The cost of these upgrades, alongside the losses from the crime itself, places an additional burden on local enterprises.
Merseyside Police often works with local businesses to provide crime prevention advice. This includes recommendations on securing premises, managing cash handling procedures, and ensuring surveillance systems are fully operational and effective, particularly during closing hours.
How to Report Information
Merseyside Police have provided several channels for the public to submit information related to the Tesco burglaries. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to get in touch to assist the ongoing investigation.
If you have information, you can:
- Contact Merseyside Police directly by calling 101.
- Send a direct message on social media to the 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook.
- Report information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
When reporting, referencing the specific incidents on Longmoor Lane will ensure the information is directed to the correct investigative team. The police have reiterated that any piece of information could be crucial to solving the case.