FRESH warnings have been issued over the Christmas period, with opportunistic burglars targeting homes and property across the county in the last few weeks.
Police have reported a rise in burglaries in recent weeks across the county, while a local councillor has said he is not surprised that there has been a rise.
There have been places targeted across Derrylin, Lisnaskea, Maguiresbridge, Clogher, Tempo and Enniskillen with valuable items stolen in each. UUP Councillor Victor Warrington warned homeowners to be vigilant in the run-up to Christmas.
“We’re approaching Christmas, and people are seizing things opportunistically. Unfortunately, it reflects on the society we are in,” he said.
“I’m not sure what the story is in previous years but I suppose it is something you’d expect to happen at this time of year. Maybe police on the ground are less and that is having an impact.”
He added: “The advice I’d give would be if people have something of value not to spread the word. Keep it well hidden, locked up, and if they can, avoid bringing it home until needed.”
In the last week, burglars entered a property in The Limes in Enniskillen through an unlocked back door, stealing an iPad, Macbook and Toshiba laptop valued at £400, and in Derrylin a house on the Ballyconnell Road was entered, ransacked and £250 taken.
An attempted burglary took place on the Nutfield Road, Maguiresbridge. This was reported on December 13. The suspects attempted to enter via a rear door of the property using some kind of tools.
Police have also appealed for information after two vehicles were broken into in two Enniskillen locations.
On December 6, a car parked at the old Castle Archdale car park had its its front passenger seat window smashed and a handbag containing cash and cards stolen. And, in the Wellington Place area on December 14, a window was broken on a car – while it is thought an attempt had been made to take the car and the car radio.
In Clogher, there was a report of a burglary in Crossowen Gardens area. Police believe that access to one property was gained by entering a neighbouring house. Damage was to block work and substantial water damage was caused and copper piping had been cut. It is thought the burglary happened sometime between 8.20am and 3.40pm on December 9.
In Tempo, towards the end of last month, the front door of a property on the Glen Road, Tempo, was forced open and a number of items, including gym gear were stolen.
And, in Lisnaskea, a garage was burgled at the end of November on the Ballyhoe Road and, here, power tools and other equipment were stolen.
Police Inspector Roy Robinson said this week: “People need to be extremely careful over the Christmas period and not leave any money or presents about,” said
“Certainly, have an alarm fitted and have it switched on. Don’t be leaving any doors or windows open. Anything of value or money should be removed and put in a bank, building society or credit union,” he added.
“The alarm is invaluable. A neighbourhood watch scheme is a good idea. Somebody going away should inform the neighbours if they’re going away for a long period of time.”
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