Businessman says he is 'sickened' by theft

Gregory McGlinchey's Main Street butcher shop was targeted by the thieves sometime between Sunday evening and the early hours of Monday morning. The burglar's busted a shutter at the back of the shop and smashed their way into the office before trying to remove the safe. After a failed attempt, the vandals gained entry into the safe, taking approximately 2,500 in weekend takings. Gregory McGlinchey, who has been running his popular butchery in the small town for over 11 years, says he is sickened by the incident.

Mr McGlinchey said: " I arrived on Monday morning and saw the back doors lying open. They had busted open the shutter and made their way inside. They couldn't get the office door open so they smashed the glass at the bottom of the door to get inside."

"They took the whole of Friday and Saturdays takings, something from 2,300 to 2,500. It's the days were I can't drop it into the bank because it's closed."

"I am totally sickened by it all, sick as a dog. You think when you leave your office it's secure. They never bothered to go into the shop or touch any of the equipment, just the office."

Mr McGlinchey says he has passed CCTV coverage over to the police.

"The office does have CCTV, but it was dark. Hopefully something can be picked up and these people can be dealt with." continued the businessman, "They have caused bad enough damage to the office and the back of the building, around 1,200 on top of the takings that they took. I don't think insurance will even cover me for the takings, maybe 10 per cent."

A PSNI spokesperson says police are appealing for information regarding the incident.

"Detectives in Limavady are appealing for information following a burglary at business premises on Main Street in Ballykelly sometime between 9.30pm on Sunday (27th) and 5.30am the following day. A rear door was forced open and cash taken from an office. Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact CID on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively information can be passed on anonymously through the 'Crimestoppers' charity on freephone 0800 555 111. "