Northern Ireland

Family's pet dog ‘killed' as house is targeted during spate of robberies

The properties in Loughbrickland, Newry and Bessbrook were robbed on the evening of Friday, November 25 
The properties in Loughbrickland, Newry and Bessbrook were robbed on the evening of Friday, November 25  The properties in Loughbrickland, Newry and Bessbrook were robbed on the evening of Friday, November 25 

A PET dog is reported to have been killed after a house was targeted during a spate of burglaries at houses in counties Down and Armagh.

The properties in Loughbrickland, Newry and Bessbrook were robbed on the evening of Friday, November 25.

Sinn Fein councillor Roisin Mulgrew said the community was "horrified" by the incident at Millvale Road in Bessbrook which reportedly resulted in the death of the animal.

"The area has witnessed a rise in burglaries over this past period, however the killing of the family pet has reached a new low," she said.

"Local people are rightly angry. I have no doubt this dastardly act has compounded the fear of the owners of the pet.

"I would once again appeal for vigilance and anyone noticing any suspicious activity at all should contact the police.

"Those engaged in these attacks on the community and their property must be apprehended and face the full rigours of the law."

Detective Inspector Trevor Stevenson said police had received reports that a number of men travelling in a dark coloured car, possibly a BMW 1 Series, had broken into properties at Donard View in Loughbrickland, Derrymore Road in Newry and Archdale in Bessbrook.

"Entry was forced to the houses in each instance with jewellery and cash stolen," he said.

"A family pet was reported to have been killed at the house in Bessbrook.

"These incidents follow reports in recent days of suspicious activity in the Bessbrook and Camlough areas, involving men travelling in a car matching the description given last night.

"We believe these incidents may be linked and are actively seeking to locate this car and its occupants.

"I would ask anyone who has any information to assist police with our enquiries to contact detectives at Ardmore on 101. Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Meanwhile, police in Enniskillen are investigating burglaries at two houses in the Brookmount Road area of Omagh on the evening of Friday, November 25.

Both houses, which were unoccupied at the time, thought to be sometime between 5pm and midnight, were forcibly entered and ransacked with a number of items stolen.

Officers are keen to speak with anyone was in the area on Friday evening and who may have noticed any suspicious activity or vehicles.

If anyone has any information in relation to these burglaries they are asked to contact detectives in Enniskillen on 101 quoting reference number 75 26/11/16 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.