Burglar escapes after breaking into house
Published 6 Feb 2012 16:00
A 'COWARDLY' burglar was caught in the act when startled residents came home and found him rifling through their belongings.
Police are calling for witnesses after a man broke into a house off Christchurch Road in Virginia Water on Saturday, January 28 at about 6.20pm by forcing the front door.
He went through several rooms, leaving a mess in his wake before the occupants of the house came home as he was coming downstairs. The suspect was holding a small knife and verbally threatened one of the residents - a man in his 40s - before running past him, out the front door and jumping over a nearby fence.
Detective Constable Tracey Heneghan, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was an unusual offence which has understandably left the victim very shocked and upset but fortunately he was not harmed in any way during the very brief confrontation.
"The victim's family were waiting in a vehicle outside the address when the confrontation took place so this was also a distressing experience for them.
"I would urge members of the public who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in and around Christchurch Road in the days leading up to the burglary, or who recognise the description of the suspect, to contact police.
"I would like to assure Virginia Water residents that we are doing everything possible to track this opportunistic and cowardly offender down."
The suspect is described as a white man in his early twenties, medium build, around 6ft tall, dark brown hair, tanned complexion and spoke with a southern accent.
He was wearing a grey hooded top with a zip at the front, dark trousers and trainers.
Police have carried out a search of the area and are reviewing CCTV footage.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information should call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference RM/12/475, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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