A suspected creeper burglar caught on camera in Newry has sparked concerns for community safety.
The male, described as having a beard and dressed in a heavy coat, was captured allegedly trying to gain access to homes and cars in the city’s Courtney Hill area in the early hours of Wednesday January 8 at around 3am.
The PSNI has confirmed a report of “attempted theft of vehicles in the Courtney Hill area”.
Local resident Martin Grant spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service after his home CCTV system recorded the suspect in action.
Mr Grant said: “I have been a resident at Courtney Hill for three years, and over that time there has been numerous incidents of break-ins and attempted break ins to both cars and houses.
“The residents of Courtney Hill, Hennessy Park and Barley Lane are plagued with these criminals, and I fear that one day a confrontation will turn violent.”
More potential victims in the Courtney Hill area have contacted their local community Facebook page with further video evidence of the suspect.
Ballinacraig Community Association social media page stated: “We have been contacted by a resident about the attempted break in of their car in Hennessy Park last night. Someone was checking car doors in Hennessy Park to see if they were unlocked. We have been in touch with the relevant authorities about this.
“We are asking residents of the area not to leave valuables in their car, keep car doors locked and report anything suspicious. If anyone has any further information about last night to please get in contact.”
Newry Sinn Fein cllr, Valerie Harte added: “I am concerned for the local community of the Courtney Hill area following this incident and other similar suspicious activity around the Christmas period.
“Many of the residents are elderly or vulnerable people who will be frightened that such criminality is being attempted around their home. I would ask that neighbours be vigilant of such suspicious activity and take care to check in on each other.
“I have also been made aware that there have been some false accusations made again certain males following this incident and would advise people to be weary of making such allegations.”
