BURGLARS have gone on a pre-Christmas spree across the Downpatrick area.
Police are investigating a wave of criminal activity in the area after criminals targeted two schools, eight houses, council-owned toilet facilities and a local business in the Tyrella, Clough and Legamaddy areas within a 24-hour period between Thursday and Friday.
Thousands of pounds of damage was caused to the properties and items valued at several thousand pounds were stolen in the incidents.
The worst attacks were on a row of cottages in Tyrella, which are believed to have been broken into during daylight hours on Friday. Copper cylinders were torn from hot presses in each of the properties, causing extensive flood damage, while television sets and other valuables were taken.
One of the home owners, who asked not to be named, said the culprits did not care about the mess they had left behind.
“They caused thousands of pounds worth of damage so close to Christmas, meaning the houses need re-plumbed, carpets need lifted and rooms dried out,” he said.
“We are absolutely disgusted and would ask people to be on the look-out for any suspicious activity. This could happen to anybody next.
“These copper cylinders sell for about £100 and we hope scrap yards will be on the look-out for any of this material coming up for sale.”
Burglars also targeted Blackwater College in Downpatrick on Thursday night, taking a laptop and several digital cameras.
A gang also smashed their way into Legamaddy Primary School outside the town shortly after 8pm on Friday. This is the fourth burglary at the school in less than two years.
School principal Mrs. Simone Prenter said the disruption to the school due to the relentless nature of the crime was upsetting for everyone although the burglars on this occasion made away with just a small amount of petty cash being kept for charity.
“At a time of shrinking budgets and having to look towards saving money, the last thing we need is this,” she said.
Clough businessman Richard McCall has also confirmed the burglary of his premises, J+W McCall Supplies, on Thursday night when power tools, including cordless drills and chop saws, valued at around £1,000 were taken.
He said it was the first burglary of the store in recent years although such incidents were “almost expected” in the run-up to Christmas.
“You almost expect this type of attack before Christmas because whoever has the tools will probably sell them for half the price to get money for themselves for Christmas,” he said.
“There has also been a number of home-heating oil thefts from local homes, which is probably for the burglars’ own personal use.”
Lead was also stripped from the roof of Down Council’s toilet facilities at Tyrella beach last week, costing hundreds of pounds of damage to the building.
Local police are appealing for information following the burglaries.
They are particularly appealing for information following the Tyrella household burglaries on Friday as they believe a large vehicle would have been needed to move the copper tanks. They are appealing for anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area, or any vans or lorries, to contact them on 0845 600 8000.
Alternatively, if someone would like to pass information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.