Elderly man shaken after teatime robbery

A man in his 80s was left unhurt but shaken after an intruder broke into his Loughgall home and robbed him just after teatime last night (Tuesday).

Tommy Martin, who lives at Tirmacrannon Road, was pushed against a wall and had his wallet stolen during the incident.

DUP MLA William Irwin, who knows Mr Martin well and visited him at his home today (Wednesday), explained what happened. He said, “Tommy was alone in the house watching TV. His wife Irene had just left to go out in the car.

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“He heard a noise and got up to investigate, but his mobility is very slow. When he got into the hallway, there was a slightly built guy standing there.

“Tommy has a small alarm in the kitchen and he went to try and get to that but the guy pushed him up against the wall and took his wallet from his hip pocket.”

The intruder, who escaped through the front door, apparently gained entry by breaking the back window and climbing through it.

Mr Irwin said, “I spent some time with Mr Martin this morning and assured him and his dear wife that they are in the thoughts and prayers of the wider community in Loughgall and we hope that they get over the shock of this ordeal as soon as possible.

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“Their nephew and neighbours have been very good to them. They are lovely people who have never harmed a fly in their lives. They have lived their whole lives without anything like this ever happening. The person who did this is beneath contempt.

“I have spoken to the PSNI on this issue and I know there has been a spike in this sort of crime in recent weeks. That will obviously be concerning for our elderly community and again it must be said that those behind these despicable acts deserve the most stringent treatment by the courts.”

The robbery took place between 6.30pm and 7pm and the intruder is described as being aged in his 20s or 30s and was wearing a grey coloured coat, grey trousers and a hat.

Detective Constable Victoria Holmes is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with information to contact detectives in Lurgan on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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