A pensioner was beaten and locked in his own bathroom as cowardly thieves stole valuable items from his home.
PSNI in Banbridge are appealing for help in finding those responsible for this “sickening” act which happened on the Rowantree Road around 9.15pm in Tuesday night.
The victim, who lives alone, was badly shook up after being forced to climb out his bathroom window when the men – understood to be three – left his home.
He was getting ready for bed at the time when the men confronted him; kicking him in the stomach and the groin.
They forced him to open his safe, took a silver Rolex watch off him, locked him in his own bathroom, then left.
Seventeen ornamental figures were also taken, a mixture of Coalport and Royal Doulton.
After climbing out the window, the victim ran to neighbours to raise the alarm.
He was taken to hospital and thankfully has no long lasting physical injuries.
A PSNI spokesperson asked: “Do you live in the surrounding area? Did you hear a vehicle or see anyone on foot that you didn’t recognise? No matter how small the information, no matter how insignificant you think it is- we want to know.
“The victim deserves justice, and that undoubtedly lies with someone out there. Maybe you have seen or heard of someone looking to sell such figures?
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— Armagh I (@ArmaghI) October 25, 2017
“The people behind this sickening incident are beyond contempt. Somebody somewhere knows something. Maybe you know personally who did this? Maybe they’re sat on the sofa beside you right now as you read this? Maybe it’s a husband, brother, boyfriend? Worse still, maybe they’re out again tonight, and you know exactly why?
“They’re not ‘men’, they’re cowardly abominations of human beings who deserve to be behind bars. What if that was your father, your grandfather, or your neighbour who was targeted?
“If you know anything, speak out. Call 101, and ask for detectives at Lurgan. Any information can be treated in absolute confidence.
“Alternatively you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The reference number is 1453 of 24/10/17.
“Let the earlier post be a reassurance – where there is ANY evidential lead, we will be relentless in pursuing the suspects, no matter how long it takes us. Help us get those leads, and we will gladly haul these people before the courts.”
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— Armagh I (@ArmaghI) October 25, 2017
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