Window smashed as thieves steal handbag

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon, August 9, at the council-owned lakes car park at Roundabout 2.

The woman had parked her car to take her dog for a walk, and had hidden her handbag inside a carrier bag tucked out of sight under the seat of her car.

She returned to find her window smashed and the handbag gone.

DUP councillor Margaret Tinsley said the incident had caused the woman great upset. She said, “She was without her car for four days while it was being fixed, and she lost her handbag, cash and cards.

“Although the cards had been cancelled the thieves had already attempted to use her credit card purchasing on the internet that afternoon.

“Police told her the same type of incident had taken place the previous weekend.

“The lady is still very upset over the whole incident and would advise other people to take all precautions to ensure this does not happen to them.”

Mrs Tinsley has contacted the council and asked for a sign to be erected in the area, warning motorists not to leave valuables in their cars.

She added, “The council has already approved it and the sign should be in place within the next week. I would like to reiterate the importance of not leaving anything in view.”

She said the PSNI had also agreed to increase patrol cars in the area.Warning a

A police spokesperson said the incident was reported to police at 1pm.

They would like to speak to anyone who was in the area that Sunday and noticed anything suspicious.

They can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.