Woman in 80s burgled twice in two days

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A woman in her 80s has been burgled twice in two days.

Police have appealed for information after the most recent break-in at her home in Bearnagh Drive, Belfast, in the early hours of Tuesday morning, when jewellery and money were reported stolen.

The previous day, her handbag, containing a large sum of money, bank cards and gift vouchers, was taken.

PSNI Detective Sergeant Natalie Ash said: “These are appalling crimes and will cause real shock to the local community.

A woman in her 80s has been burgled twice in two days.https://t.co/Y2398WJziQ

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“This intruder made his way into her home on Monday morning around 11am and made off with her handbag from her living room.

“Following this incident, the woman was sleeping in bed last night and an intruder again gained entry to the house.

“The bedroom was ransacked and jewellery was stolen which is of great sentimental worth.

“There were no signs of forced entry to the house and this was reported around 8.15am.

“We are doing all we can to locate the person or persons responsible and we would appreciate the input of the local community who may be able to provide some information that could result in an arrest.”

She added: “The male suspect for the initial burglary is described as being in his 40s with dark hair and wearing a blue jacket.

“He was seen getting into a small grey/silver car which was heading towards the Andersonstown Road.

“This has been an extremely distressing ordeal for the victim and her daughter who has been supporting her mother.

“Our investigation is under way and we would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have noticed any suspicious activity, or this man near the Bearnagh Drive area over recent days, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 240 05/04/22.”