A devastated family told how they were burgled for the third time by three armed thugs who pulled a knife on a neighbour.
The hard-working couple, who didn’t want to be named, told how their Ainsdale property was ransacked and precious belongings stolen at around 8.50pm on Thursday night.
A neighbour on Thirlmere Drive was said to have heard the commotion and disturbed the burglars.
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But the crooks pulled a knife and threatened them before later fleeing the scene.
Friends of the couple, who have two children, say they were targeted in 2008 and also again last year.
In response they installed CCTV at the property and newer, more secure doors.
But the burglars still managed to break in and steal the CCTV equipment alongside other priceless family belongings, they said.
One neighbour said: “It’s a nice area, a quiet street and a lovely community, they are a hard working family so it’s devastating this can happen to them so many times.
"It's terrifying for the poor person who tried to do the right thing but was threatened with a knife.
“I wish there was more we could do to help.”
Neighbours are being asked to check their CCTV at around 8pm to see if they notice anything suspicious.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "At around 8.50 last night Thursday 24 February officers were called to a report of a burglary in Ainsdale.
"It is believed that three men armed with knives forced entry into a house on Thirlmere Drive and threatened a resident who spotted the men inside the property.
"The men then ran towards Gleneagles Drive and were then seen on Windermere Crescent where they fled the scene.
"It was later reported that a quantity of cash was taken from the address during the incident.
"No one was injured during the incident and officers are currently carrying out forensic examinations CCTV and witness enquiries in the area.
"If you have any CCTV or doorbell footage or any further information about this incident, please DM our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ quoting incident reference 22000135797."
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