THE chairman of Ireland's only full-size heritage railway has said he has been "extremely heartened" by a flood of donations after its premises were targeted in a break-in.
A man climbed over the front gate of the Downpatrick and County Down Railway and tried to gain access to a store inside one of its trains.
He used a brick to break a window before forcing a number of external doors but was prevented from entering by an internal door.
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The break-in was caught on the railway's CCTV system and an image of the intruder has been circulated in the hope he can be identified.
Robert Gardiner, chairman of Downpatrick and County Down Railway based in Downpatrick, said it had been feared the premises would be targeted during the Covid-19 lockdown.
"We have been in regular contact with police in Newry, Mourne and Down who had already stepped up patrols in the area, as well as taken steps to further secure the site," he said.
"Fortunately, he only smashed one pane of the double-glazed window.
"I feel angry and disappointed that someone would take the opportunity of the lockdown to break into our premises and essentially loot the place."
However, Mr Gardiner said he had buoyed by support from the public after more than £1,100 was donated to the charity to help with repairs and security.
"I had thought that maybe we might raise a few hundred or so that could help towards the cost of the window. Never did any of us expect to raise this amount in such a short space of time," he said.
"At this time the DCDR does not qualify for any of the Northern Ireland Executive's grants for businesses - so we're on our own.
"We very much appreciate any donation you can make towards these repairs and any other security improvements".
