The charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £3,000 for information about those involved in the aggravated burglary of a 74-year-old woman in her own home in Fleetwood [14 February 2012].

The victim was threatened at knifepoint after an unknown male entered her bedroom on 14 November 2011 while she was in bed. 

The elderly lady offered the male money from her purse, which he took, before then searching a number of drawers in the room and leaving.

The female, who is hard of hearing and arthritic, was extremely distraught by the incident and has been badly shaken by the incident.

Crimestoppers is seeking information from the public relating to the identity of the man responsible for this burglary.

'Left shaken and in fear'

Crimestoppers Regional Manager for the North West, Gary Murray, said: “This elderly lady had been left shaken and in fear since this incident. With the help of the public giving information to Crimestoppers anonymously, this man can be arrested which would give some hope in assisting this lady in her recovery.

“Anyone with information about those responsible can help by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by filling in our secure online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

The reward of up to £3,000 is offered to anyone who provides information through the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 number that leads to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for this crime.

Information given through our secure online form or directly to the police will not qualify.

ENDS

For more information on Crimestoppers please contact our press office on 0208 835 3727.

Notes to Editors:

• Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our ‘giving information’ form via our website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
• Around 23 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.   
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 108,000 arrests and charges. Over £115 million worth of goods has been recovered and over £213 million worth of drugs has been seized.   
• In 2005, Crimestoppers launched the UK’s Most Wanted on its website which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. It has been highly successful with over 1,000 arrests to date.
• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees, who in 1988 launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers’ ‘call to action’ is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.
• Any information passed by Crimestoppers to the police before 2nd February 20121 will not qualify. 
• If claimed, the reward can be paid via the anonymous Crimestoppers reward system or, if the caller becomes known to the police, then appropriate arrangements can be made. 
• Information given through our secure online form or directly to the police will not qualify.