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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Charlotte Hadfield

Dad stays up all night to make sure intruders can't break into his home

A dad claims he stays up all night and sleeps during the day to make sure no one can break into his home.

Nathan Lamb, 32, claims he is waiting to get new front and back doors fitted at his home in Runcorn, where he lives with his wife and six children.

At around 12.15am last Thursday, December 16, Nathan said two burglars broke into his garden shed and stole over £1,000 worth of items.

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Cheshire Police said it is believed that a M4 Airsoft Assault rifle, metal and plastic BB ammunition and a black and orange Carrera bike were taken during the incident.

Nathan said: "The only reason they didn't get into my property is because my eight year old son came down in agony crying with toothache and disturbed them.

"If he hadn't disturbed them they would have been in my home."

Nathan claims the intruders have returned on two occasions since Wednesday night and were caught on his neighbour's CCTV camera peering over the fence.

Nathan Lamb, from Runcorn, said he stays awake at night to make sure no one breaks into his home (Nathan Lamb)

Nathan said the property, which is owned by Onward Homes, is not secure because the lock mechanism on his back door is loose, meaning it can easily be unlocked when you push against it. He claims the door also doesn't fit inside the door frame.

A spokesperson from Onward Homes told the ECHO someone was sent out to investigate the back door following the incident on December 16.

They said: "There is a small amount of render damage, however the door is opening, closing and locking as it should do until a new door can be fitted, which will be installed in the New Year."

Nathan, 32, said he doesn't sleep at night for fear that someone might break into his home and is desperate to get a new door.

He claims he has contacted Onward Homes on a number of occasions about the problems.

After being contacted by the ECHO, an Onward Homes spokesperson said a repair specialist has visited the property today to assess the door and a contractor will also be sent out to install additional fixtures.

The lock on Nathan's back door (Nathan Lamb)

Nathan said: "I'm up all night and sleeping of a day. I'm not even spending time with my kids because I'm sitting at my dining room table making sure no one can get into my house.

"I just want to feel safe and secure so I can go to sleep of a night rather than a day.

"I don't even want to put Christmas presents under the tree for my kids in case they're not there when they wake up on Christmas Day. I've never in my life felt so unsafe."

A spokesperson for Onward Homes said: “We are aware of the situation at the property and understand that this is distressing.

"We are looking into this as a priority and will work with the resident to provide a solution as quickly as possible. On December 16, we visited the property to investigate the back door.

"There is a small amount of render damage, however the door is opening, closing and locking as it should do until a new door can be fitted, which will be installed in the New Year.

"We have spoken to the resident today [December 21] and an Onward Repairs Specialist has visited the property to assess the door.

"A contractor will also attend the property today to install additional fixings to the frame and a new set of handles to the door.

"We will follow up with a visit in the coming days to ensure that the resident is happy with the work undertaken.

"We would like to reassure the resident that the installation of the new door will be prioritised for the earliest possible time after the Christmas break.

"We will contact the resident in the first week in January to arrange an appointment at a time that is convenient for them and remain on hand if they have any questions in the meantime.”

Cheshire Police is appealing for information following the burglary on Thursday, December 16.

Police Constable Gary Cooney said: "A number of enquiries are currently underway in relation to this incident.

"I would urge anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to get in touch.

"The same goes to anyone who may have seen something that didn't look quite right or may have been offered the items described.

"We would ask all residents to stay vigilant and ensure that they lock up their property including garages and sheds so that it makes it harder for these individuals to get away with targeting our homes."

Anyone with information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1157068 via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report

Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers, anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.

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