Police ‘working to protectthe vulnerablefrom burglars’

Chief Inspector Darrin Jones said people should be assured of a high visible presence in the city over the coming days and urged people not to be ‘unduly concerned’.

“This Christmas people can be absolutely assured of a highly visible police presence in the city and surrounding towns and villages as officers do their best to disrupt criminals and keep residents safe and secure in their homes” Chief Inspector Jones said.

In the latest incident five males left empty handed after they entered the house of an elderly woman in the Hillsborough area around 10pm on Friday.

Relatives of the woman say the men neither threatened her or stole anything in an incident in which they believe was a case of mistaken identity. The burglars, they say, even hung up the woman’s coat before leaving.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area and in particular anyone who may have seen a white Audi A5 with distinctive black wheels in the area on Friday night is asked to contact police.

Last Monday an elderly man was left badly shaken when three robbers entered a house in the Drumbo road area shortly after 10pm. One of the men was carrying an iron bar and the men made off with cash.

A fortnight ago a 72-year-old man was held at knifepoint at Nettlehill Road when a gang of men stole his savings,

Last month an elderly couple - a 71 year old man had been recovering from bowel cancer and his 68 year old wife who is disabled - tried to fend off five robbers who burst into their Woodside home - one was armed with a crowbar.

Chief Inspector Jones said: “While any crime is a worry for police, people in Lisburn should not be unduly concerned this Christmas.

“Our festive policing operation ‘Season’s Greetings’ gets underway and part of this focuses on burglary as a priority. It aims to actively target prolific burglars, centre police patrols on areas where burglars may be more likely to strike and carefully monitor our more vulnerable residents to give them protection and peace of mind.

“Local neighbourhood officers have also been running a number of crime prevention and community safety campaigns and initiatives aimed at helping our residents protect themselves and lessen their chance of falling victim to a burglar.

“Residents are encouraged to keep valuable items and gifts out of sight in the home, keep windows closed and doors locked even when you are at home, and to never, ever let a stranger enter your home unless you are 100% satisfied that they are who they claim to be.”