Police appeal for information after Ballymoney Burglary

At around 11.50am, police received a report that a neighbour that disturbed three men in and around of the home of an elderly gentlemen. Initial accounts suggest that one man had distracted the homeowner in his back garden while two others made their way up stairs claiming to be there to check the water. It is unclear at this point if anything was taken. The men were said to have run away in the direction of the Newall Road.

Detective Chief Inspector James Mullan said: “I would ask anyone with any information about this incident to contact detectives in Coleraine Police Station on the non-emergency number 101. 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.

“This was an extremely unsettling experience for the elderly gentleman and his neighbours. I would ask for help from within our community in identifying these offenders, specifically anyone who was in the Robinson Avenue or Newall Road area yesterday morning and saw three unfamiliar men.

“I would also remind people of some simple crime prevention steps we can all take in thwarting these callous criminals. Also, please look out for your elderly or vulnerable neighbours or family members and share the following crime prevention tips with them.

1. Think before you open the door and use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them.

2. Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry a photographic identification card. Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone Quick Check, the special free phone service, on 0800 013 22 90. Quick Check is supported by all the main Northern Ireland utility companies and they will check if calls are scheduled for your address on that day.

3. Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your back garden or somewhere that may encourage you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice who is waiting to act upon this distraction.

4. If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don’t let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return.”