PSNI probe burglary in Saintfield

PSNI probe burglary in Saintfield

22 February 2017

POLICE are investigating a robbery at Saintfield Credit Union’s premises last week.

It is understood thieves used a ladder to gain access to the first floor of the Main Street building during the early hours of Friday morning where they removed a safe containing an undisclosed sum of cash.

The safe was later discovered empty in a burnt out car green coloured Volkswagen Polo car at the Orchard Road area in Tyrella outside Downpatrick. Police believe the vehicle is linked to the robbery which was reported around 3am, with the burnt out car discovered three hours later.

Rowallane councillors Robert Burgess and Billy Walker say they hope those who targeted the Credit Union premises will be apprehended by police and the stolen money recovered.

“Credit Unions play a key role at the heart of local communities and many people will be alarmed that an organisation such as this was targeted by robbers in Saintfield last week,” said councillor Burgess. “I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about the incident to contact police so those responsible can be brought to justice. People will be shocked at what happened.”

Councillor Walker said incidents of this nature are not welcome in the district, explaining many people use the range of services provided by Credit Unions.

He added: “What happened in Saintfield last week certainly is alarming and I hope those responsible will be caught”

A PSNI spokesman has appealed to anyone who can assist officers with their enquiries into the robbery to contact them.

Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the Credit Union premises at Saintfield Main Street late last Thursday night or during the early hours of Friday morning. 

Information can be provided using the PSNI’s 101 non-emergency number quoting reference number 230 17/02/17. People who want to provide information anonymously can do so using the confidential Crimestoppers number, 0800 555111.