Burglars steal TV and car from Telford home

Burglars broke into a Telford home while the family – including two young children – slept, and stole a 32-inch flat-screen television before using the family vehicle as a getaway car.

The thieves forced open a kitchen window at the back of the house in Merganser Close, Leegomery, before climbing inside, police said. A camera and two mobile phones were also taken by the intruders.

The incident happened sometime between 10pm yesterday and 6am today.

Telford police spokesman Chris Ammonds said: "Sometime overnight, while the family who live in the property were asleep upstairs, it appears that thieves broke into the house by forcing open a kitchen window.

"They then climbed in through the window – which is at the back of the house – and carried out a search of the downstairs rooms before stealing a number of items and making their escape.

"It appears the thieves left the property via the kitchen door and then used car keys they had stolen to leave the scene in a grey Citroen Xsara Picasso SX – registration number W421 KFG – that was parked on the drive at the address.

"Among the items taken in this burglary was a 32- inch Sony flat-screen television and it seems likely the thieves decided to take the car – once they had found the keys – to help them transport this item away from the property.

"A Nikon camera and two Nokia mobile phones were also stolen during this break-in."

Mr Ammonds said investigating officers were keen to hear from anyone who could have information about the burglary, or anyone who may have seen the stolen Citroen since the early hours of this morning.

Anyone who believes they may have information that could aid the investigation into this burglary is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101 – the force's new non emergency telephone number – or call 0300 333 3000.

Alternatively, information can also be left anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

By Wayne Beese