The home of an older person has been ransacked in a burglary which occurred in Coleraine.
The incident happened shortly after midday yesterday (Thursday, May 30) when entry was forced to the property at Cloyfin Road sometime between 10am and 11:45am.
Detectives in Coleraine investigating the incident are appealing for information.
Detective Sergeant Rachel Gardiner said damage was caused to a window, while rooms in the house were ransacked. No one was in the property at the time.
Detective Sergeant Gardiner is asking the public to make it more difficult for thieves.
“Stay alert to your surroundings and report anything suspicious to police immediately.
“I want to encourage everyone to report suspicious activity to us, no matter how insignificant it may seem. The report of a suspicious vehicle or people acting strangely in your neighbourhood can help us to prevent and detect crime,” she said.
“Please ensure that all houses, sheds and garages are secured, particularly during the hours of darkness. Do not keep valuables or large amounts of cash in your home and remember, safes are able to be removed. Do not leave any tools/ladders outside which can be used to access your property. Do not answer the door during the hours of darkness unless you are expecting someone or you have a security latch and can check identity first.
“Keep an eye on your property and please report to the police any suspicious callers or vehicles. This includes cold callers or services being offered at inflated prices. If you do have CCTV systems, please ensure that they are working, and please look out for elderly/vulnerable neighbours and check on them regularly.”
If you would like further advice on home security you can contact your local Crime Prevention Officer on 101.
Report any suspicious activity/concerns to 101 and in the case of an emergency please call 999.
In relation to the Coleraine burglary, she added: “I want to appeal to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity, or anyone who has information about this crime to contact detectives in Coleraine on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference 760 of 30/05/19.”
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.