Golf club staff robbed at knifepoint by masked pair

Golf club staff robbed at knifepoint by masked pair

24 April 2013

STAFF at Ardglass Golf Club were confronted by two masked men brandishing knives on Monday morning.

The incident happened shortly before 11am when the men entered an office at the Castle Place clubhouse where three staff members were working.

The intruders demanded money before making off in a silver BMW which was found abandoned a short time later at the Ballygilbert Road. It is believed the men then got into another vehicle.

A spokesman for Ardglass Golf Club described what happened on Monday as a “shocking and terrifying incident” for those involved.

He said while staff members confronted by the masked men were not injured, they were left badly shaken.

The robbery has been condemned by Ardglass councillor Dermot Curran who expressed concern that staff had been threatened at knife point.

“What happened was disgraceful and is a very worrying development. The fact people are running about with knives threatening staff doing an honest day’s work is something which should concern us all,” he declared.

“What happened in Ardglass on Monday morning will be condemned by all right thinking people and I hope the perpetrators of this crime will be apprehended.”

Councillor Curran said criminals brandishing guns and knives to commit robberies and other crimes is something which worryingly appears to be on the increase.

“My thoughts are with the staff caught up in what must have been a terrifying experience at Ardglass Golf Club on Monday. I hope they recover from their ordeal,” he said.

Councillor Curran added: “I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about this incident which has shocked everyone in the village to provide whatever information they can to police.”

Detectives investigating Monday morning’s robbery have issued an appeal for information and deions of the two men involved.

One is described as being of heavy build and wearing a black top, black waterproof jacket, dark bottoms and a red hat or scarf. The second man is described as being tall, of slim build and wearing a black top and dark clothing.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have spotted the two men in the vicinity of Ardglass Golf Club or spotted the sliver BMW car at the Ballygilbert Road.

Anyone who can assist detectives with their enquiries is asked to contact Downpatrick PSNI station, telephone 0845 600 8000. In addition, information can also be provided anonymously via the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.