Thieves stoop low to rob two charity shops

Barnardos in High Street was ransacked last weekend while thieves also tried to break in to Hope Charity Shop in Union Street, but gave up after security proved too tight.

It’s understood burglars gained access to the rear of Barnardos some time during the early hours of Sunday morning (August 12).
According to police they ransacked the shop and stole money from charity boxes.

The car park behind Barnardos has long been a source of antisocial behaviour. In recent years a number of premises which back onto the private car park on Windsor Avenue have been broken into and last year bins belonging to one of the businesses were set alight by young drinkers in the car park.

On the same night that Barnardos was ransacked it’s understood thieves also attempted to break in to charity premises on Union Street.

A window was broken at Hope Charity Shop, but the would-be burglars were unable to gain access to the building through the bars on the window grille.

Since the attempted break-in, the window has been replaced and an even tighter grille added.

Police have appealed for witnesses to both incidents. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lurgan Police Station 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.