Force Used In Weekend Burglaries

There have been two more cases of burglars using force in robbing their victims - with one of those attacked at the weekend being an elderly person.

Detectives are today appealing for information after a report of aggravated burglary at residential premises in the Seacash Walk area of Antrim on Saturday (17th December).

A PSNI statement said: "Shortly before midnight, it was reported that an unknown male entered a house in the area armed with a knife.

"He threatened the elderly female occupant before making off with a sum of money and jewellery. The female occupant was left badly shaken after the incident."

They said that the man is described as being young, approximately 5'8" tall, of thin build with short mid brown hair. He was wearing light coloured clothing and had a scarf covering his face.

The statement added that anyone who has any information or who saw anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact Newtownabbey CID on 0845 600 8000.

Meanwhile, the PSNI is also appealing for information after a report of burglary at residential premises in the Hillsborough area last Friday, (16th December).

The victim was an elderly person and the incident was at about 10pm, when it was reported that up to five males entered a house in the area.

They searched a number of rooms in the house before leaving. It is not believed that anything was taken during the incident.

"An elderly frail person who was in the house at the time was left badly shaken after the burglary," said a separate PSNI statement.

Again, anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area and in particular anyone who may have seen a white Audi A5 with distinctive black wheels in the area is asked to contact Lisburn CID on 0845 600 8000.

In both cases, 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, said the police.

(BMcC)