There has been a spate of burglaries in the greater Ballymena area over the weekend.
A silver power-washer, two electric fencers, clothing and seven pairs of boots and a number of torches were reported stolen from the Ballybollen Road area of Ahoghill just after 9am on Monday. A Volvo XKZ 5568 was also reported stolen. It’s believed the burglary occurred sometime between 12:30pm on Sunday and 8:15am on Monday. Police believe some type of vehicle, such as a low loader, was used to remove the vehicle and items.
In a second incident, a power washer and a leaf blower were stolen from a property in the Grange Road area near Ahoghill. The theft occurred sometime between 5:30pm on Sunday night and 8am the next morning.
And in a third incident, entry was forced to a shed at an address in the Ballybollen Road area of Ahoghill. A wooden car trailer, 6′ x 4′, a hedge cutter, a tractor battery and a set of jump leads were stolen. It’s believed this occurred sometime overnight, possible around 1am on Monday.
Police believe these three burglaries are linked and they are appealing to anyone who was in any of these areas around these times and saw any strange activity, or vehicles in the area to get in touch. Alternatively, anyone offered tools or a Volvo car similar to those reported stolen should get in touch with police.
In a separate incident, a sum of money was stolen from a house in Broughshane on Monday. It happened at Braidvalley View on Monday evening. It’s believed entry was forced to the property sometime between 9am and 6pm. A vehicle was seen acting suspiciously in the area earlier that day.
Detective Sergeant Leighanne Miller said anyone with information about any of these burglaries is asked to call the non emergency number 101, quoting reference number 265 of 14/01/19. Anyone with information about the burglary in Braidvalley View is asked to call the same number quoting reference number 1136 of 14/01/19.
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.
In light of these incidents, Detective Sergeant Miller is also appealing to home and business owners to protect their properties.
“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,” she said.
And she added: “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,” she added.
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.