A 20-year-old woman has been arrested by police investigating a spate of burglaries and vehicle thefts in Co Down last night (Saturday 23 May).
She is expected to appear before Lisburn Magistrates’ Court today (Monday 25 May), charged with a number of offences, including burglary (non-dwelling), theft of vehicle and driving when unfit through drink or drugs. As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
At around 8pm, it was reported that a number of power tools were stolen from a building site at the Carnreagh Road area of Hillsborough. Police say a man and woman were seen acting suspiciously at the time of the incident.
Shortly before 9:15pm, it was reported that a black Renault Megane arrived at a farmyard in the Castlevennon Road area of Banbridge. A woman got out of the vehicle and entered a storeroom and removed a number of power tools during the incident.
A man got out of the Megane to access a silver Mitsubishi pick-up style truck parked in the area. The man then left in the pick-up and the woman in the Megane. They were seen heading towards the Ballynahinch area.
The Megane was later located on the Old Ballynahinch Road, Lisburn where it was stopped by police.
The woman driving the vehicle was arrested on suspicion of theft of vehicle, theft from vehicle and driving when unfit through drink or drugs and burglary.
She is currently in police custody at this time. The stolen Mitsubishi pick-up was also recovered in the Ballynahinch area having crashed into the fence of a property in the Cedar Hill area. The man made off on foot from the scene.
At around 1:30am this morning (Sunday 24 May), it was also reported that a red Toyota Yaris was taken from a property in the Belfast Road area of Ballynahinch. Entry was gained to the property and keys for the vehicle were taken along with a handbag and a purse.
The vehicle headed south onto the A1 Carriageway before being stung by police at the A1 north at Sheepbridge in Newry. The man made off from the scene of foot following the incident.
Inspector Stewart said enquiries are continuing and police are investigating a link between these incidents.
“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed these incidents or who might have any information, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1692 23/05/20. 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 the Inspector.