Pensioners are left badly shaken after attack by burglars

Pensioners are left badly shaken after attack by burglars

7 June 2017

AN elderly couple were left shaken after their Ballynahinch home was one of four targeted by burglars last weekend.

The couple were in their Horner’s Road home last Friday when the burglars struck, but the culprits were forced to flee empty-handed.

The incident is one of four police are investigating in the Ballynahinch and Hillsborough areas which took place over a five hour period.

Officers have confirmed that between 3.30pm and 8.30pm a number of electronic items were taken from houses at Cherryhill Road and Glassdrumman Roads near Ballynahinch. Local people reported that the burglars may have been in a car bearing a Republic of Ireland registration number.

In addition to the house at Horner’s Road, the burglars targeted the home of another elderly couple at Windmill Road in Hillsborough. Nothing was taken from this property.

Detectives investigating the incidents believe the men were driving a small black coloured car. One of them is described as being in his 20s or early 30s of slim build.  He is believed to be around five foot five inches tall with long, dark scruffy hair.

Police are working on the assumption the burglaries are linked and have issued an appeal for information to help track those responsible.

Local councillors Mark Murnin and Billy Walker are encouraging anyone who spots any suspicious activity to contact police immediately and have appealed to people to be vigilant.

Mr Murnin praised the “excellent response” of police to the incident at the Cherryhill Road and said he was also aware of the burglars driving into a farmyard nearby before driving off after they were spotted by an occupant.

“The occupants of the car gestured that they were only turning and quickly left,” he continued. “I would appeal to people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police, no matter how insignificant they think it may be. While some of the homes that were targeted were alarmed this did not act as a deterrent to these particular individuals.”

Mr Walker said: “It is concerning when vacant homes and those that are occupied are being brazenly targeted in broad daylight and hopes the culprits will be brought to justice. He said elderly people have a right to live in their home free from any kind of threat.

“I hope police patrols will be increased in the area as this not only provides local people with confidence, but can act as a deterrent to criminals. People must be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help deter criminals.”

Police investigating last weekend’s burglaries are keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed a black car in the vicinity of the homes targeted or a small black car driving in the area.

Anyone who can assist police is asked to contact contact detectives in Lisburn on the non-emergency 101 number, quoting reference number 1010 02/06/17. Information can also be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.