Attempted Burglary Of Portadown ATM Machine

Police have launched an appeal for information following the attempted burglary of an ATM in the forecourt area of a filling station in Portadown, County Armagh.

An alarm notification notified police shortly before 1.40am this morning (7 August) that the ATM had been tampered with.

Detective Sergeant Stewart explained: "Officers attended the scene just minutes after the report to find that the suspects had fled from the area leaving damage to the housing of the cash machine.

"Searches were then carried out by a number of police units but they were unable to locate the suspects. No money is believed to have been taken at this time.

"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of Dobbin Road between 1.30am and 2am and who may have mobile or dash-cam footage which could assist with our enquiries to call us."

Alliance Backs Decision To Deny Housing In Tullynagardy Wood

Alliance have welcomed the refusal of planning permission to develop housing in Tullynagardy Wood, Newtownards, County Down.

The Planning Committee for Ards and North Down Council rejected plans on Tuesday (5 August) which would have saw five homes built in the Crawfordsburn Road area, where the woodland is located. Despite recommendations from planning officers to approve the proposals, councillors across the board voted to refuse planning permission.

Alliance representatives Nick Mathison MLA and Councillor Vicky Moore agreed with the decision. Speaking after the debate, local Alliance MLA Mr Mathison said: "To have approved the development of this woodland site would have been the wrong decision, especially for a council that, not so long ago, declared a climate emergency.

"I have campaigned for years with local residents to protect this woodland site, and I hope when this comes back to the Planning Committee for a final ratification next month, that the site’s protection is confirmed beyond doubt."

Newtownards Cllr Moore added: "To have seen nearly 40 percent of this site developed for the sake of five houses would have been unacceptable. 

"The residents who have opposed the development of this woodland for over 20 years deserve great credit for keeping up the fight to protect our environment and preserve a biodiverse habitat for so long."

Two Men Involved In Lisburn Burglary

Police have released the descriptions of two men involved in a burglary at a house in Lisburn yesterday (6 August).

A report was made to police around 11.55am stating the men had entered the property via a rear window in the Moira Road area and, after rummaging through a room of the house, fled the scene. Jewellery is suspected to have been taken. The suspects then made off in the direction of Moira in a grey Audi A3.

Detective Inspector Keon, said: "Both suspects were described as being masked, wearing black baseball caps and dark trousers. One of the suspects was wearing blue gloves and a blue puffer-style coat, whilst the other one was wearing grey gloves and a grey puffer-style coat.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious in the area, between 11.30 and 11.55am, on Wednesday 6 August.

"We would also appeal to anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV or mobile footage of area that we could review."