Councillor appalled at attack on local pensioner’s home

Alderman James Tinsley urged family members and neighbours to keep a close eye on their loved ones, especially those who are vulnerable and living on their own after a woman who lives on the Leathemstown Road was targeted on Sunday evening.

At around 7.30pm the men forced their way through the front door of her house and then ransacked the property.

The woman was not injured at the time but was left deeply shocked following the incident. The men have been described as speaking with Belfast accents and all wore dark coloured jackets.

It is thought the three men left the house empty handed.

Mr Tinsley said the incident occurred a year after an 80-year-old man was targeted close by at Calvert Road.

He was attacked and tied up in his home during an aggravated burglary.

He too lived in the area and after the attack was trussed-up with cable by a gang late one night.

They demanded money from the pensioner and the property was then ransacked.

Odf the latest incident Alderman Tinsley said he was appalled, “I am disgusted that people are still targeting old and vulnerable people in their homes and subjecting them to a reign of terror.

“This is awful for those living on their own in rural areas. I would appeal to people to pay more attention when driving past a neighbour’s house and if they see anything suspicious to contact the police.

“Where this happened is a busy road so someone must have seen something.”

Police have asked anyone who noticed any suspicious vehicles or activity in the area or who has any information to contact them at CID in Lisburn on 0845 600 8000.

Or, 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