Man Arrested Following Burglary In Dunmurry

A 23-year-old man has been arrested by the PSNI in west Belfast in connection with a burglary at residential premises in Dunmurry in the early hours of Wednesday, 20th December.

The arrest was made following a report of a burglary in the Brooklands Grange area at around 3.25am.

Two women aged in their 60s were present in the property. One of the women was in the living room when a man unknown to her opened the unlocked front door and walked in. He confronted the woman before picking up an antique item and leaving the property.

Responding officers quickly located the a man matching the description provided in the Pembrooke Loop Road area. He was arrested on suspicion of burglary and has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Róisín Brown said: "It is not believed that anything else was stolen and no damage was caused to the property; however, whilst physically unharmed this was an extremely distressing and frightening experience for the victims in their own home.

"Our enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances around this burglary and we are keen to locate a second man dressed in dark clothing who we believe may have been involved.

"We would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, or who may have relevant doorbell or CCTV footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 145 of 20/12/23."

Inspector Brown continued: "Burglary is an extremely invasive and personal crime. Everyone has the right to feel safe and protected in their own home. I would encourage people to ensure that your windows and doors are closed and locked, particularly in the dark evenings and around the holiday period. Please also check on your friends and neighbours. Police will be highly visible across the city during the festive period. If you have any concerns or wish to report suspicious activity please contact us via 101.

"You can also use the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 / online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org"