Appeal after heist at Seaforde garage

Appeal after heist at Seaforde garage

12 March 2014

A FRESH appeal has been issued for information about an audacious robbery at a Seaforde garage two weeks ago which caused major structural damage.

Three men who were subsequently arrested in connection with the crime have been released pending further enquires.

The men, aged 28, 30 and 32, were arrested following the robbery at Brennan’s garage on February 28 when a cash machine was stolen. It was later recovered in the Comber area in the rear of a van.

A large Volvo digger, stolen from a nearby quarry along with a trailer, was used to remove the cash machine from the garage at the Newcastle Road in Seaforde around 3.45am.

Before fleeing, the gang which carried out what has been described as a “well planned operation,” set fire to the stolen digger.

Detectives investigating the incident confirmed a blue Ford transit van, believed to have been involved in the incident, was recovered by police at the Ballystockart Road area of Comber a short time later with the cash machine in the rear.

Renewing their appeal for information, police also confirmed they recovered the trailer stolen from the Seaforde quarry at the Greystown Road outside Downpatrick.

A police spokeswoman said detectives are continuing to follow a number of lines of enquiry in relation to the Seaforde incident and would appeal to the public to help by coming forward with information.

Detectives want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the burglary at the service station on February 28 or the theft of the Volvo digger at the Newcastle Road to contact them at Downpatrick 0845 600 8000. Information can be provided confidentially and anonymously using the Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.