Callous thieves ransacked the home of an 88-year-old Co Armagh pensioner whose wife recently passed away.
Chief Inspector Jon Burrows branded the incident both “disgusting” and “pathetic”.
Detectives in Lurgan area appealing for information following the burglary in Portadown on Monday, December 11.
Chief Inspector Jon Burrows said: “Police received a report at around 5pm yesterday of a burglary at a house in the Ballyhannon Road area. It’s believed entry was gained sometime between 12:30 and 4:30pm yesterday afternoon.
“It was reported that a sum of money was taken.”
It is understood around £200 was taken from the man.
Chief Inspector Burrows added: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the Ballyhannon Road area yesterday between 12.30pm and 4.30pm and may have witnessed this incident, or who has any information about it to contact detectives at Lurgan Criminal Investigation Branch on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 997 of 11/12/17.
“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
An 88 year old man, whose wife died very recently was burgled in the Portadown area yesterday. The house was ransacked. The thieves got £200. Disgusting. Pathetic. Please look out for elderly neighbours & family members & report suspicious behaviour. We are stepping up patrols.
— Jon Burrows (@PSNICIJBurrows) December 12, 2017
Jonathan Buckley MLA has encouraged residents to be look out for elderly residents in the lead up to Christmas.
“This is a heinous act, and one that must be condemned outright,” said Mr Buckley.
“How anyone could see fit to rob a defenceless man in his late 80s is beyond me, and especially on the mouth of Christmas.
“I would encourage everyone to be vigilant, and watch out for elderly neighbours in the run up to the Christmas period.”
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