Publican plagued by flower thieves

Publican plagued by flower thieves

8 August 2012 - by David Telford

A DOWNPATRICK businessman has hit out at thieves targeting his premises.

Gabriel Sloan, owner of Paddy’s Barn at Saul says thieves are stealing flowers from display tubs outside his bar and restaurant.

Last weekend, someone even stole an ornamental water feature on display inside the building.

Mr. Sloan, who has been in business at Paddy’s Barn for nine years, says he is “sick, sore and tired” of being targeted.

“These plants are being taken home by whoever is stealing them,” he declared. “There have been a number of plants stolen over the past few weeks and I can’t understand why people are doing this.

“I have no doubt that locals are responsible and when I see what’s happening I despair. Stealing from outside the premises is one thing, but thieving items from inside the building is an entirely different matter.”

Mr. Sloan said the water feature stolen last Sunday evening was one of the many items and artefacts on display in Paddy’s Barn, some of which have been donated by local people.

They include books, old manual typewriters, jugs, lanterns and some artefacts from a former milking parlour at Crossgar monastery.

Mr. Sloan is convinced the water feature was stolen by a woman. During a routine clean of the ladies’ toilets the following morning he found a white tablet which he couldn’t identify and an empty bottle of WKD, a brand of alcohol he doesn’t sell.

“I’m doing my best to brighten this place up but have to contend with thieves. Stealing is sickening. It’s also upsetting that people are buying their alcohol elsewhere and sneaking it in here because they enjoy the ambience of the place and the craic,” he continued.

“The staff here are second to none and they do their bit to maintain the floral displays, but the fact that flowers and other items are being stolen is really disheartening.”

Mr. Sloan has also appealed to Down Council and the Roads Service to do something with a triangular portion of land at the junction of the Mearne Road and Saul Brae near his premises. He believes it could be developed as an entrance feature to the historic Saul area.

He also suggested there was a need for improved visitor signage in the Saul area.