A 91-YEAR-OLD woman suffered a horrific ordeal after her house was burgled by a man who left a trial of destruction behind him at her rural home near Brookeborough.
Gertie Primrose from Coonian was outside getting turf for her fire when an intruder came into her home, ransacked it and took money from her bedroom sometime between 12.30pm and 1pm on Friday.
The woman, who lives in a rural and isolated location, was left shaken by the incident, but luckily, she was not physically harmed.
“I had a bad day on Friday. The man got into my house and into my bedroom when I was outside.
I had been outside getting turf for the fire, and I came back inside and was working in the kitchen and heard nothing until I turned around and he was standing at the door.
“I didn’t hear anything until he was opening the door and just like a flash he ran out of the door. He had the job done before I noticed him, and he left the place in a mess behind him.”
“He opened out all the drawers in the room and took money. He must have been watching me. The police came out to me then.
“I don’t feel too good about this. I am shaken up, rightly so, but there wasn’t much I could do. This is a quiet part of the county. Thankfully, I wasn’t hurt in the incident and did not get a knock or anything but I don’t think I needed this now, and I hope they are caught.”
Local Councillor Victor Warrington, pictured, condemned the attack which has shocked the local community: “Everyone in the community has been left shocked by the news of the incident, and people are disgusted that someone would go in and do this to a 91-year-old lady who is trying to live independently in her own life.
“She has lived here all her life, and it is just an absolute disgrace. It’s disgusting. Gertie is a big part of the local church and still take an active part in the running of the parish. She is very well known in the community.”
The police confirmed they are invesigating the incident, and are appealing for information following the report of a burglary at the home of an older person in the Mullaghfad Road area of Fivemiletown on Friday March 29th.
Police would also like to speak to the driver of a small grey car that was seen in the area, as they may have information that could assist them with their enquiries.
They can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101 or alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Posted: 7:17 pm April 4, 2019