PSNI helicopter used to in bid to help nab burglars targeting elderly people

DETECTIVES from PSNI Tennent Street are appealing for help from the local community after a burglary yesterday in north Belfast.

At around 2:45 pm a male called at the home of an elderly female in Hopewell Cresecent claiming to be investigating the water supply to her home telling her that pipes in the area had been damaged due to construction work.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “As this male distracted the lady a second male entered the house.

“Fortunately, the lady’s grandson was upstairs and found the second male slowly and quietly putting on gloves in the hall.

“When disturbed this male made off and as the first male tried to escape he was initially restrained by the victims grandson before making good his escape.

“The victim was shaken by the experience and her Grandson received minor injuries.”

The two males are described as 6ft tall, in their early 20’s, skinny build and one of the two spoke with a southern accent. Both made off in a blue Renault Clio car.

Added the spokesperson: “Local police pursued the pair with the help of the police helicopter but were unable to detain them.

“Police believe the pair may have attempted to enter other homes in the area but they are not believed to have anything to do with the persons reported yesterday as selling security equipment in the area.”

Anyone with any information should contact Detectives at Tennent Street on 08456008000 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800555111