Man attacked in his own home by burglars (From Watford Observer)

Man attacked in his own home by burglars in Dove Park, Chorleywood

12:00pm Wednesday 30th January 2013 in News By Ben Endley, Senior reporter

A man was attacked by burglars who broke into his Chorleywood home believing it was empty.

The 43-year-old was left with minor injuries after challenging three burglars who forced their way through the patio door of his Dove Park home.

The break-in happened at around 3.40pm last Friday (January 25) but the attackers are understood to have fled empty handed following the incident.

They are all described as white men between 15 and 20 years old, of slim build, clean shaven and between 5ft 9ins and 5ft 11ins tall. They all wore dark clothes; one was also wearing a beanie hat.

DC Adam Bridges, of the Hemel Hempstead safer neighbourhood team, said: "I would like to speak to anyone who saw three white men fitting the description in the area.

"There have also been several reports of people knocking on doors around Chorleywood and then asking if ‘Jonny’ or ‘Jonesy’ is at the address. I would like anyone who has had any suspicious callers at their address to contact me.

"It appears that the suspects believed they were breaking into an empty house, as criminals rarely target occupied homes.

"Crimes of this nature are rare, but making sure your home is secure by locking doors and windows, especially if you are leaving the house empty, is an effective deterrent to most criminals.

"I would also recommend householders lock all their garden tools away, as these can be used to gain entry during burglaries".

Anyone with information should contact DC Adam Bridges via the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number C2/13/151. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.