County Down Outlook - News - Thieves joyride family vehicle

News

Thieves joyride family vehicle

Wednesday, 25 January 2012

AN Iveagh Road resident has described how the theft of a family vehicle has left them feeling violated.
Louise McDowell revealed that she woke on Tuesday morning, 17 January, to find that one of the family's vehicles had been stolen.
“We woke up on Tuesday morning and we saw the jeep, a Mitsubishi Shogun, was gone from its normal parking spot," explained Mrs McDowell.
“We phoned the police immediately and they were very prompt at coming out.
“We rang them just after 7.50am and they asked if the house had been broken into and we said it hadn't. They arrived at the house about 8.20am."
Mrs McDowell, age 22, went to work as normal that day and throughout the day details emerged of what police believed happened when their jeep was stolen.
“Shortly before 10am we got a call to say the jeep had been found in the Downpatrick area. At this stage we were unaware of any damage that the jeep had sustained. We were just glad to know that the jeep had been recovered.
“Around lunchtime we found out the jeep had suffered damage and was being taken away to be examined by forensics."
The mother-of-one told The Outlook that at this stage they are still unaware of what damage has been done to the jeep.
“It was to be released by police on Monday. All we have been told is that the jeep is 'wrecked' and it's a 'write off'."
Mrs McDowell's family was not the only one to suffer from theft as police received another report of theft on the same day.
Shortly before 7.15am on Tuesday it was reported to police that entry had been gained to a house in the Glenburn Road area of Katesbridge.
Some time during the night the key to a car was stolen before the culprits drove off in it.
Mrs McDowell reported the theft of the Mitsubishi Shogun less than 40 minutes later.
“We know it was stolen some time between 1am and 6.30am on Tuesday morning," she said.
Both vehicles were later found in the Downpatrick area.
“We're very shocked and upset. The fact that someone could have been standing literally metres away from us waiting to pounce - we feel like we have been violated," she said.
She was also keen to urge her neighbours and other residents in the area to remain vigilant.
“I would advise people in the area to remain vigilant and look out for anyone they feel is acting suspiciously."
Police also received a report that damage had been caused to outbuildings in the Monteith Road area on Tuesday, 17 January, however no entry was gained to the buildings and nothing was stolen.
Police are reminding motorists to ensure that their vehicles are locked and secure, stressing that if a thief sees an opportunity they will take it.
Lock your vehicle and ensure all windows are closed tightly.
Remove all valuables from your vehicle including mobile phones, satellite navigations systems and the face plate of any in-car music systems.
Improved car security features such as alarms, immobilisers and tracking devices can also help protect your vehicle and your valuables.
It only takes a matter of seconds to break into a car so we would also urge local residents to promptly report any suspicious activity they notice near vehicles, or car alarms that have been activated, as this will help to deter and detect those involved in this type of crime.
Police are appealing for anyone with any information or who saw anything suspicious in the are to contact police in Banbridge on 0845 600 8000 or alternatively to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.