Saintfield pensioners targeted by burglars

Saintfield pensioners targeted by burglars

14 May 2014

THE family of a Saintfield couple who experienced a terrifying ordeal at the hands of masked intruders last week have thanked the PSNI for their professionalism in dealing with the incident.

The elderly couple — who live on the Crossgar Road — were targeted by three masked intruders brandishing hammers last Thursday night at around 11.30pm.

A man in his 70s was beaten around the ribs, while his wife, who is in her 60s, was left badly shaken. The man was subsequently admitted to hospital for treatment to suspected broken ribs.

The intruders forced their way into the couple’s home and tied them up before locking them in their bedroom. It is understood the men spent around two hours in the property, making off with a quantity of jewellery. The couple were unable to raise the alarm until 5am the following morning.

A 35 year-old man has been 

arrested in relation to the incident.

Rowallane councillor William Dick, who has visited the couple, said they wanted to thank the PSNI for their professionalism in dealing with the issue.

He said people were “outraged” at what happened and condemned what he described as a “vicious, cowardly attack.”

“The couple have come through a horrendous ordeal, with the man being attacked with a hammer,” he said.

“The couple were tied up and locked in their bedroom for around four hours before the alarm could be raised and they could be released.”

He added: “People in the local community are very angry that this highly regarded family should be attacked in such a vicious manner.

“Concern has also been expressed to me that the courts are not doing imposing tough enough sentences to deter such activity and those who carry out incidents like this.”

The attack has also been condemned by councillors Billy Walker and Walter Lyons who have appealed to anyone who knows anything about the incident to contact police.

Councillor Walker said his thoughts were with the couple. “This despicable behaviour will be condemned by all right-thinking people.

Those who carry out such attacks, especially on the elderly, are thugs who should have their freedom taken away from them. Such behaviour is sickening and those responsible must be caught.”

Councillor Lyons added: “It is absolutely disgraceful people are being attacked in their own home. What is wrong with these people? It is pure thuggery.”

Detectives investigating the incident have issued an appeal for information. Anyone who can help them is asked to contact Downpatrick police station’s non-emergency number, 101. Information can also be provided anonymously using the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.