A pensioner was left badly shaken after his home was burgled in Bessbrook on Monday night.
Although there is no obvious link, it was the second crime of a very similar nature in Co Armagh following an incident in Lurgan less than an hour later.
Hoever, police in south Armagh are appealing for witnesses following the first incident in the Millvale Park area of Bessbrook on Monday evening.
Detective Sergeant Upton said: “It was reported that entry was forced to the premises at around 7.50pm by a number of masked individuals, a safe containing a sum of cash was taken.
“As a result of this incident an elderly man has been left badly shaken.
“We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or any vehicles in the area at the time to contact detectives in Ardmore on 101 quoting reference 1177 of 29/10/18.
“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
Meanwhile, detectives investigating the report of a burglary in Lurgan last night are also appealing for witnesses and information.
Superintendent Wendy Middleton said: “We received a report just before 8.40pm that two men had forced entry to a house in Trasna Way sometime between 8pm and 8:10pm.
“Once inside they assaulted one of two occupants, a man aged in his 80s, throwing him to the floor. The suspects then ransacked the house before fleeing.
“While the man was not physically injured, he was left badly shaken. A woman in the house was untouched, but left very shocked.
“Both suspects, who are described as having their faces covered and wore black woollen gloves, then fled.
“It’s not known at this time what, if anything, was taken.
“This was a despicable act, and I am appealing to anyone with information they believe may assist our investigation to get in touch. I would also appeal to anyone who was in the Trasna Way area last night and saw what happened or saw two men in the area acting suspiciously to get in touch by calling us on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference 1226 29/10/18.”
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
