BURGLARS who targeted the home of 83-year-old Pat Davidson may have broken into three other houses in the area on the same night.
Detectives are treating the case as attempted murder after the pensioner was found lying injured in the garden of her Sydney Street home in the Co Tyrone village on Tuesday night.
Three other burglaries were reported at Aghaloo Close in Aughnacloy, Richmond Park in Ballygawley and McDowell Terrace in Seskinore on Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Police also received a separate report of a suspicious black car, thought to be similar to one which may have been used in the Sydney Street burglary.
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said: “We are seeking information about a dark coloured car bearing the registration GK56 AEG, and a silver car, possibly a Ford Focus, with registration 06WX 6313. We believe at this stage these were both false registration plates."
DUP leader Arlene Foster said there had been a spate of burglaries in the area recently.
Mrs Foster said: "I have been speaking to the PSNI on this and have been calling for robust action to combat crime in the area, however it is important that members of the public remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity".
Police stations at Aughnacloy and Ballygawley were closed several years ago and were put up for sale.
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew said people in the area had been shocked by the latest crime.
"I would urge anyone with even a scrap of information relating to this crime to bring it to the PSNI so they have as much information as possible to assist with their investigation," he said.
Ulster Unionist MLA Rosemary Barton said those responsible were "clearly very dangerous people".
"People have a right to feel safe in their own homes without fear of anyone causing them harm and my thoughts are with the lady who was injured, and I hope she makes a full recovery," she said.
"I know that the police are treating the incident as attempted murder, and once these individuals are caught, it is imperative that the courts impose sentences that fit the seriousness of this crime."
