A NURSERY and a sweet shop have been targeted during a string of burglaries.

Cheshire Police have issued an appeal for information from members of the public after three break-ins at three businesses in Runcorn in three days.

The first saw a sweet shop at a garden centre on Halton Road burgled at some point between 10pm on Sunday, May 9, and 9am the following day.

A small quantity of cash was stolen during the incident.

Cash was also taken when a nursery on Langdale Road was broken into at around 1am on Tuesday, May 11.

The third burglary occurred at a resource centre on Mersey Road shortly after 11.30pm the same day, although nothing is believed to have been stolen on this occasion.

Two males wearing dark clothing were seen running away from the building in the direction of the Silver Jubilee Bridge shortly afterwards.

Detective inspector David Hutcheon said: “Burglary is a serious offence, regardless of what was stolen by the offenders.

“Being targeted by burglars is a very distressing experience, whether the incident occurs in your home or at your business premises.

“Enquiries in relation to the burglary incidents are ongoing as we look to establish who committed the offences and make them face the consequences of their actions.

“There is no evidence to suggest that the burglaries are linked at this stage, but we are keeping an open mind on that.

“If anyone has any information regarding any of the three burglary incidents please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the force on 101, quoting incident numbers IML984310, IML984983 or IML985775 for each respective burglary or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.