Shops lock up after robberies

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A spate of robberies and burglaries in shops and residences across Newtownards in the past week have forced businesses to close their doors and extra police patrols to safeguard the streets.

Two shops were robbed by a man wielding a knife, at Yvonne Gibson beauty parlour, in Meeting House Lane, last Thursday, March 18, at around 4.30pm, and at Ltd clothes store, Frances Street, the following day at around 3.30pm.

In both cases the man demanded cash, and escaped with sums of money.

The robber is described as aged in his 30s, around 5 feet 4 inches tall, and of stocky build. On both occasions he was wearing a dark jacket and dark track bottoms.

Julie Gibson, daughter of Yvonne Gibson, told the Chronicle: 'He came into the reception area and went straight to the till. The door was open, and a client was waiting there, as the staff were further inside the shop. He asked her to open the till, but she said she didn't work here.

'He had a knife in his hand, so obviously we couldn't confront him. He knew exactly how to open the till, so we didn't have to give him our money, as it were. After that he helped himself and left. There was no force or agression on his part, but then what can you say to somone waving a knife?

'He was in his early 30's it seemed, but his head was covered with a hood and a scarf. He was of normal build.

'He'd been walking up and down, casing the buildings. He was obviously just taking pot luck. We were probably not initially targetted, the moment was just opportune for him. He obviously just hadn't seen the client at reception. He took around £300 in cash, and the rest were visas. We're unhappy that it happened, and we're going to have to lock our doors now, like so many others in the area.'

Police confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) that a man had been arrested for questioning in connection with the robberies.

Detectives are also appealing for information about four burglaries in the Thornleigh area of Newtownards over the weekend.

Some time between noon and 11pm last Saturday, a house at Thornleigh Avenue was broken into, with details of any items stolen still being established.

It was also reported that a house at Thornleigh Crescent had been entered last Saturday, with jewellery stolen.

In addition, some time between 6.30 and 10.20pm on the same day, more jewellery and cash was stolen from a house at Rochester Heights.

Between 7pm and 11.15pm, also last Saturday, a house at Grangeville Park was broken into and a number of items stolen.

No one was at home in any of the properties at the time of the burglaries.

Enquiries into the incidents are ongoing.

Police have been recommending that house holders check their home security and take steps to make their home less attractive to criminals, as well avoiding storing large amounts of money.

Anyone who noticed suspicious activity or has information regarding any of the crimes should contact detectives by calling 0845 600 8000.

Alternatively information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.