A family in the heart of the Cotswolds has been left reeling after three masked burglars ransacked their home, making off with precious gems in a brazen raid that took place just after a teenager's birthday celebration.
The Scene of the Crime
The incident occurred at a property in Cirencester on November 19, between 7.30pm and 8pm. Disturbing footage from inside the home captures the moment the intruders, their faces concealed by balaclavas, shout to one another while frantically searching for valuables. Chillingly, the remnants of a celebration are visible in the background, with balloons displaying the numbers one and seven and birthday cards still on a cabinet near the doorway.
Gang's Getaway and Police Appeal
The gang is believed to have fled the scene in a small car. Gloucestershire Police have issued a specific appeal for information, asking anyone who may have seen a small car parked on double yellow lines at the end of Purley Avenue, near the junction with Victoria Road, around the time of the burglary to come forward.
Officers have released detailed descriptions of the three suspects based on the CCTV footage:
- Suspect One: Wore a white face covering, a dark jacket with a white hood, light baggy trousers, and white and black shoes.
- Suspect Two: Dressed in a light hooded jacket with front zips, a face covering pulled up to his eyes, a light cap, dark trousers, dark trainers with a white rim, and black gloves with a white logo.
- Suspect Three: Sported a light hooded jacket, a dark cap, light trousers, and black gloves.
Community Outrage and Frustration
The callous nature of the crime, targeting a family home so soon after a personal celebration, has sparked significant anger and frustration locally. Residents took to social media to express their dismay, with comments ranging from sheer fury to disillusionment with the justice system.
Terry McDonald branded the perpetrators "feral vermin," while Hugo Jones commented cynically, "Don't bother catching them. They'll get 20 mins in prison and be out again. Give up." Another local, Vinny Gingerway, reacted by asking, "Can we have the right to bear arms now?"
The investigation remains active as police work to track down the individuals responsible for violating the family's security and stealing their valuable possessions.
