Detectives from Police Service Northern Ireland are urgently seeking information following a sickening home invasion at residential premises in the Rossbay area of Clooney, Derry / Londonderry where a woman in her 90s had her house invaded by masked men.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, December 17 prompting heightened concerns about the safety and security of local residents.
According to Detective Sergeant Chambers, three men clad in dark clothing with hoods up and faces covered forcibly entered a house around 04:00 by smashing a pane of glass in the rear door. Inside, a woman in her 90s, who was alone in the property, found herself confined to her bedroom by one of the intruders while the other two ransacked her home. Miraculously, it appears that nothing was stolen during the intrusion.
The perpetrators, in a particularly disturbing twist, cut the internal phone wire before leaving the scene, leaving the elderly woman unable to seek immediate assistance. The alarm was only raised at 7am adding to the distressing nature of the incident.
Detective Sergeant Chambers emphasised the frightening experience the victim endured, stating, “It’s particularly abhorrent that the actions of these criminals left an older person in such a vulnerable position, unable to seek help from her family.”
Police suspect a potential link between this burglary and three other suspected attempted break-ins in the area overnight, intensifying efforts to apprehend the perpetrators. Authorities are appealing to the community for any information, urging those who witnessed anything suspicious or possess relevant doorbell or CCTV footage to contact them at 101, quoting reference number 401 of 17/12/23.
In a call for solidarity and vigilance, Detective Sergeant Chambers concluded, “Everyone has the right to feel safe and protected in their own home. If you have any concerns about your security, please contact police and ask to speak to your local Crime Prevention Officer.” The local community is encouraged to keep an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.
Reports and information can be submitted online via http:///www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, individuals can provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or online at http:///www.crimestoppers-uk.org. As investigations unfold, residents are urged to remain vigilant and supportive of each other’s safety.
