Burglars strike twice as occupants are at church

CRIMINALS have once again struck at the homes of Larne church-goers while the occupants were at worship.

On Sunday night, two homes in the Craigyhill area became the latest to fall victim to this particularly despicable crime.

It is not yet known what was stolen in the burglaries at Ballycraigy Ring and Killyglen Road. In a similar incident at a second house at Killyglen Road between 1.00pm and 10.00pm on Sunday, a quantity of jewellery was stolen.

The break-ins have been condemned by Councillor Winston Fulton, chairman of Larne District Policing Partnership.

He urged householders to be aware that there are thieves who will take any opportunity to strike.

“If people are in the habit of going out at particular times, they need to especially careful. People attending church are out of the house for maybe an hour-and-a-half and that gives thieves considerable time to clear out a house. In some ways, they need to be aware that their homes are being watched and they are easy targets.

“It is a devastating thing to happen to anyone. I have friends whose home was cleared out in just this situation and I would appeal to everyone to become much more security-aware to help prevent them becoming a victim of burglary. Don’t just think that burglary is something that happens to other people. Take the time to make sure your doors and windows are locked and don’t forget that there is advice available from the police on how you can best protect your home,” said Cllr Fulton.

Larne police, meanwhile, are appealing for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity or vehicles parked in the Killyglen Road or Ballycraigy Ring areas to contact the detectives at Larne station.

The telephone number to ring is 0845 600 8000 or contact can be made through email to [email protected]

Alternatively information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.

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