Moira ‘prime location for burglars’ - Redpath

Ulster Unionist Alexander Redpath spoke out this week after thieves stole a number of service medals from a house at Castle Avenue on Thursday.

The medals include a gold Queen’s Jubilee medal, a bronze French and German Star medal and a Northern Ireland Prison Service medal.

Other items stolen during the break-in include a tablet and jewellery.

Mr Redpath described the theft as a ‘particularly despicable crime’ and spoke too of mounting concern at the number of break-ins in the Moira area.

“I have been in frequent contact with the PSNI regarding the issue of burglaries in Moira,” he said. “The reality of the situation is that Moira is a prime location for burglaries.

“Not only is Moira a relatively affluent area but its position at the junction of a number of major roads means that it is easy for burglars to make their escape.

“The PSNI are acutely aware of this issue and will continue to do all they can to combat buglaries in Moira.

“However, the most effective thing local residents can do is to remain vigilant and keep a close eye out for suspicious activity. Anyone with information should contact the PSNI immediately.”

Mr Redpath went on to roundly condemn the latest incident.

“This is a particularly despicable crime, given what was stolen,” he said.

“ I utterly condemn the actions of these individuals and hope that this issue will be thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice.”

Police said that on Thursday, after thieves raided the house in Moira at around 11.30am, two men were spotted in a silver Volkswagen Golf in the area.

It is believed the silver Golf was also seen acting suspiciously sometime between 10am and 10.30am that morning in the Brerton Crescent area of Castlereagh.

Another house was also broken into in The Steadings area of Dunmurry at approximately 10.30am.

Nothing is believed to have been taken but a silver Golf was seen in the area.

Constable Chris Collins said: “I would ask anyone with any information about the burglary or the silver Volkswagen Golf to contact Lisburn Police Station on the non-emergency number, 101.

“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.”