Raid shows ‘vulnerability’ of businesses amid pandemic

The Belfast Chamber of Commerce has warned that criminals are trying to exploit the coronavirus crisis after a ram-raid attack on a clothes shop at the weekend.
By Niall Deeney
Published 6th Apr 2020, 01:10 BST
Workmen board up the entrance of SD Kells clothing shop in Bedford Street, Belfast after it was ram raided for the second night in a row by thieves using a stolen car. Picture Stephen Davison, PacemakerWorkmen board up the entrance of SD Kells clothing shop in Bedford Street, Belfast after it was ram raided for the second night in a row by thieves using a stolen car. Picture Stephen Davison, Pacemaker
Workmen board up the entrance of SD Kells clothing shop in Bedford Street, Belfast after it was ram raided for the second night in a row by thieves using a stolen car. Picture Stephen Davison, Pacemaker

The chamber chief executive, Simon Hamilton, has called for an increased police presence in the city centre.

SD Kells on Bedford Street was targeted by thieves during the early hours of Saturday morning.

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Detective Inspector Andy George said a car was reversed into the front door of the shop before items of clothing were removed. Video footage circulated widely on social media appears to show a car outside the shop before departing at speed.

Belfast Chamber Chief Executive, Simon Hamilton, a former Northern Ireland economy minister, said: “This disgraceful robbery of a business in the heart of Belfast city centre sadly shows that there are some people who want to exploit the current situation for their own criminal ends.

“With very few businesses still open and a small local population, businesses in Belfast are, unfortunately, vulnerable to this kind of crime.”

Mr Hamilton continued: “I have contacted the PSNI and asked that they increase their presence in the city at this time to reassure traders and deter criminals.

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“Businesses in Belfast are experiencing enough problems as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic without the added difficulty of criminals gangs targeting premises.”

Detective Inspector Andy George said: “We received a report around 1.00am that a Vauxhall Corsa had reversed into the front door of the shop causing the window to shatter.

“A number of suspects then removed items of clothing from the store placing them in the boot of the car.”

He continued: “Some of the clothes were recovered after they fell out of the vehicle as the thieves made their escape. The vehicle, which had been reported stolen from the Newtownabbey area on Friday, was recovered a short time later in St Peters Court area of Belfast.”

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Appealing for information, the PSNI detective added: “Police are aware that footage of this incident is circulating online and I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who has recorded dash-cam or mobile phone footage.”

SD Kells owner Sammy McIlwaine told the BBC: “We have 20-odd stores closed at the minute which is enough hassle and now these guys are trying to rob us. It is annoying, yes, especially when we live in Fermanagh, we have to drive up and try to sort the situation out.”

Related topics:Simon HamiltonPSNIBelfast