Attempted theft condemned

A local MLA has hit out at those responsible for a ram raid at a shop in the Kernan area of Portadown on Friday night.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Aug 2020, 15:35 BST
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Doug Beattie, who lives close by, said; “This shop is important for the community, providing local services for local people.

“The people who did this have no regard for the community struggling to get back on its feet after Covid-19.

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“I spoke with the owner on Saturday morning and while he is philosophical about it, you can tell he was disappointed anyone could do such a thing to a shop serving its community.”

Detectives at Kernans Costcutter on the Lurgan Road, Craigavon after a Daring late night Ram Raid attempt on the business, thieves attempted to steal the in-store ATM but failed in their attempts CONOR KINAHAN/PACEMAKER PRESSDetectives at Kernans Costcutter on the Lurgan Road, Craigavon after a Daring late night Ram Raid attempt on the business, thieves attempted to steal the in-store ATM but failed in their attempts CONOR KINAHAN/PACEMAKER PRESS
Detectives at Kernans Costcutter on the Lurgan Road, Craigavon after a Daring late night Ram Raid attempt on the business, thieves attempted to steal the in-store ATM but failed in their attempts CONOR KINAHAN/PACEMAKER PRESS

A stolen car was used during the unsuccessful attempt to steal an ATM from the shop, with extensive damage caused during the incident.

Detectives investigating the incident on the Lurgan Road are appealing for witnesses and information.

Police were alerted at 10.35pm that just minutes earlier a black Opel Antara car had reversed a number of times into the shutters of the shop.

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A masked male, who was in the vehicle, then entered the premises and made an attempt to remove the in-store ATM, without success. The male then left in the vehicle, which was later recovered in the Parkmore area of Craigavon.

The suspect who entered the shop is believed to have been wearing a dark hooded top with the hood pulled up, white shoes and tartan trousers with large checks – red and white – and either dark blue or black.

Speaking on Saturday (August 1) Detective Sergeant McCarragher said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the Lurgan Road area last night just before or after 10.30pm and witnessed this incident to get in touch with us.

“I would also appeal to anyone who believes they saw the Opel Antara in the area or who has information about its movements after it was reported stolen earlier in the day from the Churchill Place area of Waringstown to call detectives in Lurgan on 101 and quote reference number 2240 of 31/07/20.”

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A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Local MP Carla Lockhart said: “The theft of an ATM is an inconvenience for the whole community, and as a community we need to come together to ensure it doesn’t happen. Let the police know if you know something.”