A knife-wielding thief walked into one of his victim’s bedrooms in Newry and placed his hands over her face.
The sinister act was one of spate of burglaries reported to have occurred in the city on Monday morning, June 17.
Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Cole said: “Shortly before 6am, it was reported that entry had been gained to a house in the Armagh Road area, and car keys and a sum of cash taken.
“A short time later, just after 6.10am, a second report was received that a man forced entry to another property in the area, before fleeing the scene on a bicycle, after the occupant saw him.
“The suspect was described as being aged between 25 and 30, of medium build, and around five ft eight ins to five ft nine ins in height, with dark coloured eyes, and stubble.
“He was said to be wearing a dark coloured cap and top, and the bicycle was described as being a dark coloured mountain bike.
Detective Sergeant Cole continued: “A third report was received shortly before 7am that a man entered a house in the Daisy Hill Gardens area, took a knife from the kitchen, and went into one of the bedrooms, where he put his hands over the face of a female occupant, before leaving the property and heading in the direction of the town centre.
“It is believed at this stage that a significant amount of money in coins, a mobile phone, a charity box, and a car key were taken, and our enquiries remain ongoing to establish if anything further was taken.
“Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries, however, all of the householders have understandably been left shaken by the incidents.
“We are appealing to anyone who might have any information which could assist us, or who has any CCTV or dash cam footage, to get in touch via 101, and quote reference number 165 of 17/06/24.
“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.”
