THREE businesses in Cheshire were targeted by burglars, sparking a police appeal for help from the public.

A sweet shop within a garden centre on Halton Road, Runcorn, was broken into between 10pm on Sunday, May 9, and 9am the following morning.

A small quantity of cash was stolen.

Money was also taken during a burglary at a nursery on Langdale Road, Runcorn, that occurred at about 1am on Tuesday, May 11.

The third burglary incident occurred at a resource centre on Mersey Road, Runcorn, shortly after 11.30pm that night.

Nothing is believed to have been stolen on that occasion.

Two males wearing dark clothing were seen running away from the building along Mersey Road towards the Silver Jubilee Bridge shortly after the resource centre had been broken into and searched.

Detective Inspector David Hutcheon, of Runcorn LPU, 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 or CCTV or dashcam footage that may aid the investigations should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 984310 (sweet shop), IML 984983 (nursery) or IML 985775 (resource centre).

Alternatively, give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.