A family returning from a pilgrimage got the shock of their lives when they checked their home security app mid-flight and saw burglars ransacking their house. The thieves, wearing masks and gloves, were caught on camera rummaging through the property in Rochdale, with one even wielding a long screwdriver. The terrifying incident, shared by Greater Manchester Police, highlights the rise in break-ins in Asian communities ahead of Ramadan.
The family had been on a spiritual journey to Mecca and discovered the burglary while still in the air. A family member, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the experience as “scary” and “horrifying.” Upon landing at Manchester Airport and returning home, they found that a neighbor had already alerted the police.
The burglars had turned everything upside down, searching for valuables like money, jewelry, and gold. The only items taken were two ‘nanny-cams’ that captured the footage. The family suspects the thieves were after car keys, as they had recently purchased a BMW.
With Ramadan approaching, the family member emphasized the vulnerability of Muslim families traveling to visit relatives during this social period. The sense of security in their own home has been shattered, leading to constant vigilance and fear.
Overall, the family no longer feels safe after the incident but hopes that increased police patrols and community awareness will help prevent similar crimes in the future. PC Mohammed Latif from the GMP’s Rochdale burglary team highlighted the importance of securing homes, especially during times of heightened risk like Ramadan.