Public urged to watch for ‘suspicious’ van

The PSNI also said they received reports on Saturday, October 13th that a white van with a Republic of Ireland registration plate was seen in the Glebe area of Ballymoney on the previous day.

Cllr Roma McAfee told the Ballymoney Times that she had been approached by one woman who was targeted by the occupants of the van.

“We contacted the police after I was approached by someone whose window sills had been painted by the people in the van.

“They just started the work and then demanded £20 in payment.

“Because there is a lot of legitimate Housing Executive work going on in the Glebe area at the moment, the woman paid the money, thinking they were legitimate workmen. But that’s not the case.

“I would urge everyone in the area to be vigilant and to keep an eye out and remember that any legitimate workmen will not just arrive and start working out of the blue.”

A police spokesperson said: “The PSNI received reports on Saturday, October 13th that a white van with a Republic of Ireland registration plate was seen in the Glebe area of Ballymoney on the previous day.

“It is alleged that the occupant of the van had painted the window sills of a house without permission.

“When he asked for payment the owner of the property refused and the man left.

“Anyone who knows of the whereabouts of the vehicle or who has been approached in this way is asked to contact police at Ballymoney on 0845 600 8000. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”