A family home in Camlough was burgled within minutes of the owners leaving the property last night (Tuesday).
It bore the hallmarks of a similar break-in on the Armagh Road in Newry.
Independent councillor Gavin Malone described it as “very worrying times”.
Cautioning vigilance, councillor Malone said he had been he been contacted by a family from the Doyles Villas area of Camlough regarding the crime.
He explained: “The family had literally left their home and approximately three minutes later three men arrived and entered the home.
“Approximately four minutes after that another family member arrived home and disturbed them.”
“Unfortunately, a few items were stolen.”
Councillor Malone said it was a “very dangerous situation” for the family member when they entered the home but fortunately the assailants were not upstairs at the time.
“These people need stopped,” he slammed.
The Newry councillor also reported that a number of residents in Larchmount area about a burglary involving three men.
Detective Constable McGaffin said: “We are treating these burglaries as linked. Did you see anything suspicious in the of Larchmount area of Newry or in the Carrick Meadow or Doyles Villas areas of Camlough between the hours of 5:00pm to 11:30pm? Did you see any vehicles or people that didn’t belong in your area?
“We are appealing for information in order to bring the offenders to justice. Burglary is a crime that deeply affects victims. The criminals who perpetrate this sort of crime have no regard for the sanctity of people’s homes or property.
“If you have any information or dash cam footage from last night that may assist please contact Detectives at Ardmore station on 101 quoting reference 1619 of 21/01/20. 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, police in Banbridge are looking for assistance following a burglary that occurred between January 14 and 16 on the Broken Bridge Road area of the town.
During the Burglary a number of identifiable items were stolen including a red Quadzilla Quad R100, a Honda Roller Lawn Mower, Krazy Karts, hover boards and a Stihl leaf blower. Most of these items were Christmas presents also.
Police are appealing for anyone with information in relation to this or who may have seen anything suspicious in the area on the 14th in particular to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1271 of 16/01/20
