Properties in Wilmslow, West Kirby, Maghull and Formby were targeted
An aerial view of Merseyside(Image: Google Maps)
A man has been charged after a spate of burglaries and an attempted break-in targeting homes across Merseyside and Cheshire. Between March and April, several residential complexes in Wilmslow, West Kirby, Maghull and Formby were targeted. In one incident in Formby, cash and bank cards were stolen during a burglary.
After weeks of investigation, officers stopped a Renault Clio in Liverpool city centre on Thursday, October 23, where a suspect was arrested. He was later charged the following day.
Christian Ion, also known as Christian Tanase, 30, of Greenleaf Street, Toxteth, has been charged with five counts of burglary with intent to steal.
Ion appeared before Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, October 25, where he pleaded guilty to all charges. He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, November 24.
Detective Inspector Kevin O’Rourke who heads the Burglary Team (Operation Castle), said: “Breaking into someone’s home is extremely intrusive and can have a massive impact on the those affected.
“Operation Castle is our dedicated operation in tackling burglaries in the region which has led to year-on-year reductions in burglaries across Merseyside, sparing many residents the pain of being subjected to a burglary.
“We continue to pursue those who violate the privacy of people’s homes in this callous way, and bring offenders to justice and prevent further burglaries.
“Key to us putting offenders behind bars is information from our communities so, please, come forward and tell us what you know and we can take action.”
See here for advice and protection against burglary: https://orlo.uk/XyRdc
If you have CCTV, smart doorbell or dashcam footage of suspicious activity in your area but don’t know if it is linked to a specific offence, you can upload it online for the Operation Castle team here: https://orlo.uk/IA8U1
Your footage will be reviewed for potential links to reported offences in your area, and may help police gather evidence to solve burglaries and bring offenders to justice.
To report a crime, contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also report information via our website: https://orlo.uk/N40zu or call 101.
You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.