Two houses have been burgled and a van and three cars broken into in the early hours of this morning in east Belfast.
Police are investigating two burglaries at houses in the Ravenhill Road and Ardenlee Avenue areas and reports of a van and three cars being broken into.
Just after 7am this morning, police received a call from a householder who had disturbed a man in their property in the Ardenlee Avenue area.
After a brief altercation, the man fled the scene.
“Police who were in the area responding to an earlier report of a burglary at a nearby vacant residential property, carried out a comprehensive search of the surrounding area, but did not locate the man,” said Detective Sergeant Stephen Gardiner.
He is described as being aged in his mid-thirties, approximately 5ft 8” in height of stocky build with gingery brown, a crew cut hair style and a short beard. He was wearing a green zipped parka style jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and black gloves.
Three cars and one van also had their windows broken and items were stolen from each. During follow-up searches and enquiries, a number of items were recovered, including a jacket, screwdriver and bicycle. A quantity of tools which police believe were taken from one of the houses have also been recovered.
“We believe that each of these incidents are linked. I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Ravenhill Road/Ardenlee areas this morning, or who has any information which could assist us with our enquiries to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 197 30/04/19.
“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,’ added Detective Sergeant Stephen Gardiner.