POLICE are appealing for information after a woman in her 80s was targeted by a gang of burglars.
Three masked men forced their way into the woman’s home in the Glenvarna area of Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim on Saturday evening.
After answering the door, one of the men pushed the woman back and held her while the other two searched the house.
The woman was shaken but unhurt during the incident, during which the men made off with a sum of money.
A PSNI spokesman described the incident as ‘deplorable’.
“This was a deplorable act by unscrupulous individuals preying on a vulnerable lady and detectives are asking for the public’s assistance to help apprehend those responsible,” they said.
Meanwhile councillors for the area have hit out at the burglary, with Mark Cosgrove of the Ulster Unionist Party branding the perpetrators ‘evil’.
Appeal for info. 3 men assaulted an 81 year old from Glenvarna in her home last night ransacking her home. Pure evil. Let’s catch the scum
— mark cosgrove (@markcosgrove10) 28 October 2018
Disgusted at a callous and cowardly invasion and robbery of an elderly woman’s home in Glenvarna last night. Anyone with any info should contact the PSNI.
— Julian McGrath (@cllr_jmg) 28 October 2018
Such a dreadful thing to happen to this lady in her home, shocked and horrified to hear the news. Our thoughts are with her. Please inform the Police if you have any information. https://t.co/WfVX4FQJ9v
— Noreen McClelland (@Noreenmcclella1) 28 October 2018
Absolutely disgusted to hear of the robbery of a pensioner in Glenvarna this evening.
I have asked for an urgent meeting to discuss all policing across the borough and the apparent lack of resources.
This is becoming a common occurrence and must have resources to deal with it— Robert Foster (@RobbieTFoster) 27 October 2018
I would anyone with information about this attack to come forward, our elderly should be safe and secure in their own homes.
— Cllr Michael Goodman (@macgiolla) 28 October 2018
Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1349 27/10/18.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
See More: Burglary, Co. Antrim, Newtownabbey
