Woman in her seventies left badly shaken after burglary by four masked men at her north Belfast home

By Q Radio News

A woman in her seventies has been left badly shaken after being burgled at her north Belfast home by four masked men.

It was reported to police just after 6:50pm, that just minutes earlier, at around 6:45pm, the gang entered the women's home in Abbeydale Crescent and snatched her handbag containing cash and other items before fleeing.

Speaking about the incident, Detective Sergeant Sam McCallum said, "This was an despicable and cowardly act committed against the victim.

"Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and, as you can imagine, what occurred last night would have been terrifying for the victim and, understandably, it’s left her badly shaken.

"I'm asking anyone who was in Abbeydale Crescent last night, between 6:40pm and 6:50pm, and saw anything out of the ordinary, including anyone acting suspiciously, or any vehicles being driven in a suspicious manner,  to call our detectives at Musgrave on 101 and quote reference number 1493 of 10/12/20."

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Detective Sergeant McCallum added: "I would also appeal to friends and loved ones of older people, or those who are vulnerable in our communities, to please take a few minutes and have a conversation with them about what they can do to help protect themselves and their homes.

 "You can also speak with your Local Policing Team Officer, or your Crime Prevention Officer on 101.”