Police respond to rash of burglaries

That’s according to Dromore DUP Councillor Hazel Gamble, who this week roundly condemned those responsible for a number of daylight burglaries in the Dromore and Dromara areas.

“I am disgusted,” she said, “that these attacks have been carried out and I would condemn those who have been involved in such despicable attacks against the local community and in particular those who are more vulnerable.”

The Leader reported last week how one of the burglary victims left her Carnew home around lunchtime on Tuesday, March 20, to pick-up her grandchildren from school, returning just over an hour later to find her home had been burgled.

The shocked and frightened senior citizen found her home “trashed”, the thieves having ransacked almost every room, ripping down cupboard shelves and rifling through drawers before making off with a small amount of money.

It was further reported that on Wednesday, March 21, thieves broke into a number of houses at Kinallen’s Oak Hill Road and Scolban, Dromore, while an outhouse at Dromara’s Grove Road was broken into and a red Honda quad stolen.

After The Leader hit the streets last Tuesday, Councillor Gamble spoke to local police.

She said, “I have today (Tuesday 27 March) spoken directly with Dromore Community Policing Team, highlighting the community’s and my own concerns. “They have assured me that they have been carrying out checkpoints today and will continue over the incoming weeks to carry out high visibility policing within the local area, both to reassure the public and to act as a deterrent.”

Councillor Gamble also spoke to party colleague and chairman of the newly constituted Banbridge Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Junior McCrum, who undertook to raise the issue at its next meeting.

Meanwhile, police want to hear from anyone who noticed any activity, including any involving vehicles, in the areas concerned during the relevant times. The number to call is 0845 600 8000, or callers can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police also want to hear immediately from any resident approached by unexpected callers.

Councillor Gamble added, “I would strongly urge the local community to contact their local police if they see any suspicious activity in the area.”

Meanwhile, Dromara Councillor Paul Stewart has called for additional police resources to be deployed to the rural Dromara area.

He said, “I have spoken to the Area Commander, Chief Inspector Darrin Jones, regarding my concerns and requested additional resources be deployed to the area. Indeed, I would appeal for the Hillsborough and Dromore Policing teams to work together regarding this this particular issue.”