Garages ram raided for garden machinery

Most of the burglaries occurred during the day after the thieves simply smashed into the garage door. Most of the break-ins occurred in the Glenavy Road, Airport Road area between Moira and Nutts Corner.

Ride on lawnmowers, petrol driven garden machinery and small plant equipment were among the items that were stolen.

Police say all of the properties burgled to date have been in rural areas.

A white transit van bearing false registration plates has been seen in the vicinity of some of them.

Police are appealing to residents in rural areas in particular to be vigilant and to report any suspicious vehicles, persons or activity in the area and to call them with details if anything gives cause for suspicion or concern.

A spokesperson went onto say: "Ensure when carrying out garden maintenance that equipment is secured behind closed garage doors and that the property is left secure when vacant. As we enter the 'grass cutting' period no doubt such criminals will increasingly be on the lookout for easy identification of potential theft locations."

Anyone who can help the police with their investigations is asked to ring the police in Lisburn on 0845-6008000 or use the Crimestoppers number which is 0800-555111.