The Ballinamallard Revival Fellowship Church in Ballinamallard was broken into at the weekend RMG85
HEARTLESS THIEVES have targeted three properties in Ballinamallard, including an evangelical church.
Police are investigating three burglaries, which took place in the last week and an appeal has been made for information. The Ballinamallard Revival Fellowship Church on Main Street was broken into sometime between 10pm on Wednesday, January 13 and 12.08pm on Sunday, January 17, while Marco’s takeaway was broken into sometime between 11pm on Saturday January 16 and midday the following day, January 17.
Also targeted in the crime spree was a wooden shed at the rear of a property in the Main Street area, but it is thought nothing was taken. This is believed to have taken place sometime between Friday evening, January 15 and 9.30am on Saturday, January 16.
The pastor at the Ballinamallard Revival Fellowship Church Harry McMillan explained through Facebook on Sunday afternoon that thankfully the only damage done was to a rear door.
“We are thankful to God that the place was not trashed. The only things taken were a jar and a half of coffee, a box of Gaviscon tablets and a box of Disperin tablets. We never keep money in the building.
“Praise God everything else is intact. We pray for and forgive those who did this, they must be desperate people,” he added.
Dessie Morrison, who runs Marco’s takeaway on Main Street explained this is now the second time in just two weeks his premises has been targeted. Sometime between 11.10pm on January 8 and 6.15pm the following day, January 9th the premises were entered and a sum of cash taken from the till.
Speaking about the latest incident Mr Morrison said:
“They tried to get money, but they didn’t get any. They smashed in the back door, but didn’t get through it and went through a window. It’s is the second time in a fortnight and they got in the same way the last time.
There was no damage though and nothing was taken.”
When asked if crime was becoming more of a concern in a village Mr Morrison replied: “There’s an element coming up in it. We leave nothing here now.”
Ballinamallard independent councillor Raymond Farrell said local people have been left ‘afraid’ and ‘anxious’ as a result of the thefts.
“I think the attack on a place of worship was particularly distressing and I can’t imagine what would be in someone’s mind to want to resort to that type of activity.”
Mr Farrell said the thefts highlighted serious local concerns over the police presence in the area.
“There has been concerns for quite some time. Isolated incidents in different parts of the village and the area. I think it does cause concern for us. I think having the bobby on the beat more, the patrol car in the area lets people know there is a presence about, which I think is really important for people’s sense of peace of mind.”
Police in Fermanagh have issued an appeal for information following the thefts. If you can help with enquiries please call the 101 number.
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