The homes of two business owners were targeted in late night burglaries in Co Down. Police said the two incidents, in Newtownards and Killyleagh, are being treated as potentially linked.
Police received a report at around 10.40pm on Tuesday evening, April 22, of a burglary in the South Street area of Newtownards. At around 11.30pm, they received another report of a burglary at a house in the Cross Street area of Killyleagh.
They said thieves have been known to employ tactics to establish the routines and habits of business owners, such as following them to and from their home and business.
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A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police first received a report at approximately 10:40pm of a burglary in the South Street area of Newtownards. It’s understood entry was gained to the house via a door at the front of the property which had been forced. A number of rooms had been ransacked inside the property, and valuables have been stolen.
“A short time later at around 11:30pm we received another report of a burglary at a house in the Cross Street area of Killyleagh. Entry was gained by three men, armed with iron bars, through the front of the property and valuables have been stolen."
Police have urged homeowners to "make security a central part of the daily routine" and to "not keep large amounts of money at home or carry it on your person." They also issued a specific appeal to business owners.
A spokesperson for the PSNI continued: "Thieves have been known to employ a number of tactics to establish the routines and habits of business owners, such as following them to and from their home, place of business, wholesalers or suppliers, and even determining the frequency of trips to the bank to determine if cash deposits from the business are being kept in the home.
“Conduct regular security checks of your home and business - are doors and windows secure, is there an alarm or other security system fitted and working? If you don’t have CCTV or a doorbell camera, consider installing one. Invest in a dash-cam.
“Most importantly, if you see anything or anyone suspicious, or have any concerns that your business may be a target, contact police right away.
“Our enquiries are continuing today into both of these reports and we are especially keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, dash-cam or other footage of these areas. Please phone us on 101, quoting reference numbers 1680 and 1710 22/04/25.”
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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