Crime latest: Man disturbs burglar in Coleraine home

Just before 11.55am, police received a report that a man disturbed a burglar in his home.

At this time the burglar is believed to have been a male with a scarf over his face, wearing a red hooded top, blue jeans and trainers. He is believed to have made off with a couple of items via the rear of the property into some fields.

Detective Constable Robert Tosh said: “I would ask anyone with any information about this incident to contact detectives in Coleraine Police Station on the non emergency number 101. Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

As the summer months are approaching and the evenings are getting longer, police would urge householders to take sensible steps to protect their homes and to follow basic crime prevention advice to reduce their homes being targeted by criminals and opportunist thieves.

People should remember to close and lock windows and doors at night or when the house is unoccupied. If your doors aren’t secure, neither is your home so do not make it an easy target for criminals - close it, lock it and check it.

Consideration should also be given to installing a home security system or where one is already fitted ensuring it is primed at night time or when you are away from home. Security lighting around the perimeter of your property can also act as a deterrent.

It is also wise to keep valuables out of sight. A safe is a wise investment for securing precious items such as jewellery, credit cards or financial documents. Don’t leave keys in plain view or in a door lock.