PSNI: We are exploring link between Co Down incidents

Detective Sergeant Stewart said: “At around 2:30pm, it was reported that a man entered a commercial premises in the High Street area armed with a knife. The man then threatened a female member of staff to give him money from the till. When no money was handed over, the man made off towards the Windmill Street area of the town following the incident. The man is described as wearing a black coloured face mask, a grey woolly hat, grey tracksuit bottoms, a black padded coat and blue coloured surgical gloves.

“Shortly after 5:20pm, it was reported that an unknown man had gained entry to a house at the Croob Park area. A female occupant saw the man inside, who then made off on foot following the incident. He was described as wearing a dark coloured jacket, dark coloured tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

“At around 5:40pm, police received a report of a damage only one vehicle road traffic collision which had occurred at the Dunmore Road area of Ballynahinch. It was reported that a grey Mazda car, which had been taken following a creeper style burglary at the Woodridge area of the town, was involved in the incident. A male wearing dark coloured clothing is believed to have made off from the scene.

“At around 8:35am on Saturday 16th January, police received a report that a Ford Fiesta was stolen during a creeper style burglary at the Ballymaglave Road area of Ballynahinch sometime between 1am and 5:30am. It was reported that entry was gained to the property with two sets of keys taken. The vehicle was reported travelling along the Crumlin Road area of Belfast at around 5:55am and remains outstanding at this time.

“Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, we are investigating a potential link between all of these incidents.

“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area at the times of the incidents, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 1358 15/01/21. A report can also be made online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ .”