Man breaks into house and tries on woman's clothes in garden at 2.40am, prompting police appeal

Police say unusual burglary may have been 'sexually-motivated'

Police appealing for help with the burglary (PA)

Police are looking for a man who broke into a house in Wigan, stole a woman’s clothes and tried on several of the items in the garden.

Officers suspect the burglar was “sexually-motivated” and he is believed to have touched himself inappropriately after taking the garments.

According to Greater Manchester Police, the offender took several items from a home on Brambling Way in the Lowton area in the early hours of Sunday morning, 29 July.

The man was challenged by one of the occupants of the house after he was initially spotted on the roof of the house.

He ran off before he could be caught, however, and the stolen clothes were later recovered from the garden.

Detectives are now appealing for help finding the thief.

“This is an unusual incident that has understandably distressed the home’s occupants,” explained Detective Constable Andrew Partington.

“We believe this crime was potentially sexually-motivated and it’s important that we find the individual responsible.

“Were you in the area at the time and saw someone acting strangely? If so, please get in touch with police.”

The “unusual” burglary is believed to have taken place between 2am and 2.40am, but police do not have a description of the intruder.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7225 quoting incident 330 of 29/07/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.