TWO women in their 60s in west Belfast endured “an extremely distressing and frightening experience” after a suspected burglar walked through their front door.
A 23-year-old man has since been arrested over the incident which took place in the early hours of Wednesday at a property in Dunmurry.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Róisín Brown said: “Police received a report of an ongoing burglary in the Brooklands Grange area at around 3.25am. “Two women aged in their 60s were present in the property. One of the women was in the living room when a man unknown to her opened the unlocked front door and walked in. He confronted the woman before picking up an antique item and leaving the property.”
She added that police arrived shortly afterwards and located a man who matched the description in the Pembrooke Loop Road area.
After being arrested on suspicion of burglary he has since been released on bail pending further inquiries. Insp Brown continued: “It is not believed that anything else was stolen and no damage was caused to the property; however, whilst physically unharmed this was an extremely distressing and frightening experience for the victims in their own home.
“Our enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances around this burglary and we are keen to locate a second man dressed in dark clothing who we believe may have been involved.
“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, or who may have relevant doorbell or CCTV footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 145 of December 20.”
Calling burglary “an extremely invasive and personal crime,” she said that everyone had the right to feel safe and protected in their own home. “I would encourage people to ensure that your windows and doors are closed and locked, particularly in the dark evenings and around the holiday period.
“Please also check on your friends and neighbours. Police will be highly visible across the city during the festive period. If you have any concerns or wish to report suspicious activity please contact us via 101.”
Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
