ELDERLY MAN ROBBED FOR A SIXTH TIME

The burglary took place last Saturday night shortly after 11.30pm. The 76-year-old man was forced to stay in a downstairs room by one of the men while the other two searched the house before making off. It is not known if anything was taken during the incident. The man was not injured but left shaken following the incident, said police.

Lagan Valley Assembly Member Paul Givan the Justice Committee chairman, said he has spoken with the PSNI’s District Commander about putting more resources into the area.

“The police believe this burglary was planned by an organised criminal gang and I would appeal for any information to apprehend these individuals to be given to the police. This group targeted this particular home and before leaving tried to cover their tracks to prevent forensics from being able to track them.

“This gang will have been responsible for many similar crimes and it is important every effort is made to apprehend them and I have no doubt the police will do all that they can to catch them.”

He added: “The gentleman who was their target this time has been in business for over 40 years and over that time has been subject to a number of burglaries in his home. His contribution to Lisburn is in stark contrast to the three masked men who held him in his home with a screwdriver. He is showing tremendous courage after this traumatic event which is testimony to the character of the man and I know he has a very supportive family who have rallied around to support him.”

The men were all wearing masks over their faces and one is described as being approximately 5’9” tall, of medium build wearing grey coloured bottoms. One is described as being approximately 5’7” tall, of stocky build.

Councillor Pat Catney has described the robbery as “despicable” and has urged people with information on the incident to pass it onto the police.

Mr Catney said the victim was disturbed by the burglars while “in the quiet of his own house having a cup of tea at the end of a hard day’s work.”

“He’s still out there trying to earn his crust and as quick as he’s earning it there’s somebody sitting out there waiting to try and rob or steal it off him.”

Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn condemned the attack saying: “I am shocked that these men would threaten such an elderly gentleman in this manner. These men are obviously very callous individuals to threaten a pensioner in his own home.

“I hope that this gentleman will be able to get over what must have been a traumatic and frightening experience.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Lisburn CID on 0845 600 8000. 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.

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