Pensioner attacked in Killyleagh

Pensioner attacked in Killyleagh

21 March 2012

A KILLYLEAGH pensioner has been left traumatised after three masked men forced their way into her house through her bedroom window.

Shortly after 9pm on Monday evening the men unscrewed the downstairs window of her Downpatrick Road home and entered the living room. One of them held her down while the others ransacked the bedroom. After screaming for help the men ran from the house, which is near the unused Killyleagh police station.

Although uninjured the woman has been left badly shaken. It is not yet known if anything was taken from her home.

Rowallane councillors Billy Walker, Terry Andrews and Maria McCarthy have spoken of their shock and disgust at the attack just two weeks after six masked men forced their way into the home of 71 year-old Eric Moreland in Crossgar.

Councillor Walker, who called to leave the pensioner a number of security devices yesterday, said he was bringing a motion to Monday’s meeting of Down Council calling on the Justice Minister to impose immediate custody for those who attack and rob elderly people.

“This is a terrible, vicious crime and I am seething something like this can happen again in the Rowallane area,” he said. “Young thugs lying in their beds all day and then going out at night to rob elderly people — someone like this lady, a pillar of society, a churchgoer who does a lot for the community and for charity.”

Councillor Walker said there had been a recent attempt at Stormont to impose jail for all such attacks, even for first-time offenders, but that not all parties had supported the motion.

“There are too many getting away with slaps on the wrist and community service,” he said. “We need to unite as politicians and as a community say enough is enough.”

Councillor Andrews spoke of his revulsion at the attack and described the perpetrators as “the lowest of the low”.

“Little did we think two weeks ago that we would have another such attack on a pensioner,” he said. “This is something sick in our society.”

Councillor Maria McCarthy said the shocking crime was not in keeping with the community of Killyleagh and would be condemned by all.

“This is a heinous crime and it is beyond contemplation that these types of attacks are continuing to happen on the most vulnerable,” she said. “I would urge anyone with information on this horrific wrongdoing to make it known to the police, in order for those responsible to make amenable to the full arm of the law.”

The men involved in Monday night’s robbery are described as being approximately six feet tall, of medium build and wearing dark clothing, with woollen hats and dark coloured scarves covering their faces.

Detectives are keen to speak with anyone who noticed any unusual activity in the area or who noticed a white coloured hatchback car. They can be contacted at Downpatrick Police Station on 0845 600 8000. To provide information anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.