New picture released as burglary detectives explore Rochdale link

Photo: Leicestershire Police

Appeal to encourage 36-year-old Thomas Hallissey to come forward

Detectives in Leicestershire investigating a violent burglary have issued a new picture of a 36-year-old man known to have links to Rochdale who they would like to speak to. 

The team investigating the incident, which happened in Leicester in March this year, believe Thomas Francis Hallissey may have vital information which can help them.
An appeal to encourage 36-year-old Mr Hallissey to come forward was issued in July. However, detectives now hope the new picture will help those who may know of him or have seen him to recognise him and make contact with the police.

Three men broke into a house in Wintersdale Road, Leicester, at around 1pm on Wednesday 6 March this year. They threatened a 22-year-old man who was in the house at the time with screwdrivers and a pair of scissors and demanded to know where ‘the gold’ was kept in the house.

The burglars ransacked rooms inside the house and stole several items of gold jewellery before fleeing when the father of the victim returned home. His son was not injured, but was left very shaken by his terrifying ordeal.

Operation Liberal, the national distraction burglary and associated travelling criminality intelligence unit, has been working with colleagues from Leicestershire Police’s Serious Acquisitive Crime (SAC) team on this case.

Detective Constable Yassin Desai, the investigating officer from Leicestershire Police, said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim and very traumatic for his family, who have had items of great sentimental worth, not to mention financial value, stolen from them during a violent burglary committed by three very determined offenders.”

DC Desai and his team have issued a more recent picture of a man they would like to speak to about the incident.

“I am appealing for Mr Hallissey himself to come forward and help us with this matter, but if anyone knows Mr Hallissey or believes they may have seen him, I would urge you to contact us as soon as possible. Be assured that any information will be treated in the strictest confidence,” said DC Desai.

The Crimestoppers charity has pledged a £1,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the offenders.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 2146 Yassin Desai at Leicestershire Police by telephoning 101*. Once you have selected Leicestershire, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 2146.

The crime reference number for this incident is CN/01037/13-1.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, which is free** and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

* Calls to 101 cost 15p for the entire call from both mobile ‘phones and land lines
** Please note some mobile ‘phone service providers may charge for this call.