PSNI investigating link between same-day burglaries 25 miles apart

-Credit:PSNI Facebook
-Credit:PSNI Facebook


Police are investigating whether two recent burglaries that took place hours apart in Craigavon and Belfast are linked. The burglaries took place on Tuesday, January 14, with the first being reported at around 6.20pm in the Gracefield Lodge area of Craigavon.

It was reported that entry was gained to a property via a rear door that was smashed and a number of rooms were ransacked. It is not yet known if anything was stolen.

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The second incident took place at around 7.45pm at a property in the Shore Road area of North Belfast when entry was gained to the house via the front door, with the building also being ransacked.

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Three masked men were seen leaving the property and were all described as being of slim build, and wearing dark-coloured clothing. They left the scene a dark-coloured SUV type vehicle which police believe may have been linked to the Craigavon burglary.

Detective Sergeant Stewart said: “Police first received a report at approximately 6.20pm of a burglary in the Gracefield Lodge area of Craigavon.

“It’s understood entry was gained to the house via a rear door which had been smashed. A number of rooms had been ransacked inside the property, and enquiries are ongoing to determine if anything, was stolen.

“A short time later at around 7.45pm we received another report of a burglary at a house in the Shore Road area of north Belfast. Entry was gained through a front door and areas of the property were also ransacked. We’re also continuing to investigate if anything was taken.

“Three masked men were observed leaving this property and are all described as being of slim build, and wearing dark-coloured clothing.

“They left the scene in a dark-coloured SUV type vehicle – which we believe could be potentially connected to the earlier burglary in Craigavon.

“Both of these properties were vacant when the burglaries occurred, and we would encourage homeowners to make security a central part of the daily routine. Please do not keep large amounts of money at home or carry it on your person.

“Thieves have been known to employ a number of tactics to establish the routines and habits of business owners, such as following them to and from their home, place of business, wholesalers or suppliers, and even determining the frequency of trips to the bank to determine if cash deposits from the business are being kept in the home.

“Conduct regular security checks of your home and business - are doors and windows secure, is there an alarm or other security system fitted and working? If you don’t have CCTV or a doorbell camera, consider installing one. Invest in a dash-cam.

“Most importantly, if you see anything or anyone suspicious, or have any concerns that your business may be a target, contact police right away.”

“Our enquiries are continuing today into both of these reports and we are especially keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, dash-cam or other footage of these areas. Please phone us on 101, quoting reference numbers 1486 and 1319 14/01/25.

"A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

"Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."

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