Thieves steal cancer charity box

Mac’s Traditional Fish and Chips at Brookefield Industrial Estate was burgled last Tuesday night - the second time in the shop’s one-year history.

Owner Theresa McDonald said hundreds of pounds worth of soft drinks were stolen, and produce including potato bread and baps were left strewn outside the back of the shop when she turned up to open on Wednesday morning.

But the most despicable part was the theft of a charity box sitting on the shop’s counter, she said.

“I had put a box on the counter for a colleague who’d had cancer and to think they would lift that is just unbelievable.

“They’ll never have any luck those ones. I think it’s just pure badness to be honest.”

Theresa, who works part-time as a secretary in St Mary’s PS in Banbridge, said she will not let the thieves ruin her business.

“This is the last thing a business needs at this time - but I will carry on. We opened the shop and were ready to go again at 9.30am on Wednesday and that’s the way I’ll carry on.”

Theresa said she would be meeting with the property’s landlord to discuss the installation of extra security cameras in the area.

It is understood two cameras outside O’Reilly’s Bar are being checked for evidence, and Theresa said people had been spotted dragging items across the yard at around 11pm on Tuesday night.

Banbridge Response officer Constable O’Toole said the break-in is another blow for local businesses at a financially difficult time.

“This is a small business serving the needs of the local community and a burglary of this nature can have serious financial repercussions for the owners,” he said.

“We are appealing to anyone who witnessed any activity around the premises during these times to contact us in Banbridge on 0845 600 8000. If you prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.”