The thieves, who stole a wide range of valubles from the homes including sentimental jewellery and the homeowners’ medication, struck at The Limes on Saturday evening. 

Police believe they broke into the homes, some of which were unoccupied, some time between 6.30pm and 10pm. Cash, savings books and DIY equipment were also taken. 

Cllr Paul Blake, who has a strong family connection with The Limes, said the break-ins had left many shaken. 

“There is definitely a sense of shock in the community,” he said. “It’s a lovely community and everyone gets on very well. To hear something like this, it puts fear in people, and makes them feel very vulnerable in their own homes, especially elderly people. 

“Hearing someone was able to gain access to more houses in the one neighbourhood. When you hear that you know they’ve been clearly targeted.” 

Cllr Blake said some people in the area had been away enjoying the fine weather at the weekend, and he believes the burglars had taken advantage of that opportunity. 

“It’s more organised gangs that around. They’re looking at houses and checking when people are away and things like that,” he said. 

Cllr Blake continued: “I would encourage anyone who sees anything, any suspicious activity, to report it immediately to the police. Notify other neighbours too, and work together. These things are becoming much more common these days, and it takes people becoming more vigilant.” 

The Enniskillen man, who now lives in Monea, said every community needed to stay alert, both in towns and in rural areas. He said a suspicious car had recently called to his home in Monea while his girlfriend was home alone. 

On the same night the homes at The Limes were targeted, homes on the Carranboy Road in Lisnarick and on the Moat Road in Lisnaskea were also burgled. It is understood those break-ins took place some time between 5.30pm on Saturday and 7.30am on Sunday.