Update: Detectives investigating Kendal robbery extend inquiries into North East (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Update: Detectives investigating Kendal robbery extend inquiries into North East

9:35am Friday 5th October 2012 in News

DETECTIVES investigating a Kendal robbery have extended their inquiries into the North East as they work to identify the criminals who tied up an elderly couple in their home.

At around 10pm on Tuesday (October 2) a home at Castle Oval was broken into and four mean wearing masks and carrying a crow bar entered the property.

Police believe the victims were specifically targeted by the group who tied them up and made off with thousands of pounds worth of cash and other items.

The group wore masks so had their faces covered but one man is described as having a north east accent.

It is believed that the victims were tied up for around 10-15 minutes before they were able to free themselves and raise the alarm via a neighbour who contacted police.

Detective Sergeant Mark Kerley said: “Detectives have been working alongside police officers in other forces and will continue their inquiries there, as well as in Cumbria.

“My team of officers have been working to support the family and uncover any new information that could help us identify exactly who has targeted this couple and why. There is a reason that this group chose to break into this home in particular – and we are dedicated to finding answers so that we can identify these callous criminals and take them off the streets.

“A frightening incident like this is highly unusual for Kendal and it has understandably shocked neighbours and the local community. We have high visibility patrols operating throughout the area to offer reassurance and police officers have been doing a leaflet drop in the vicinity to inform local people of what has happened, reassure them that we don’t believe that this was a random crime and provide information on how they can best stay safe.

“Overall crime in Kendal is low and we are working hard to ensure it stays that way. Police along with the community won’t tolerate violent incidents like this happening in our town - and we know that local people may have information that could help lead us to the offenders. If you were in the area of Castle Oval on Tuesday evening and saw any vehicles, males or anything that seemed out of the ordinary, please call Kendal CID on 101.”

Information can also be passed to police anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.