Burglars who used screwdrivers to break into a house in Cullyhanna fled when they were disturbed by the home owner.
It was one of two burglaries in the area on Friday which the PSNI is investigating.
The second incident had happened in the Sheetrim Road area of Cullyhanna at around 3.35pm.
Detective Sergeant Lewis said: “Three men forced entry to the property using screwdrivers before the homeowner returned. They made off from the scene empty-handed in a black Audi A5 coupe, which was later located in the Derrybeg area.
“One man, aged 22 years, was later arrested on suspicion of burglary with intent to steal. Following interview, he was released on bail to allow for further enquiries.”
Earlier, officers received a report that a burglary had taken place in the Ashfield Avenue area of Newry some time between 9am and 12.50pm.
“Entry is believed to have been gained via a small window at the back of the property, and a number of items were subsequently stolen from the address,” said the officer.
And Detective Sergeant Lewis added: “Two families have been left distressed by intrusion into their homes. Although we do not believe at this stage that the burglaries are linked, we are following a number of lines of enquiry.
“We would appeal to anyone who was in the areas at the relevant times and noticed anything out of the ordinary to make contact with us on 101, quoting reference 779 of 31/05/24 for the Newry burglary, and 1185 of 31/05/24 for the Cullyhanna burglary.
“We would be especially keen to hear from anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV or mobile footage of the area, or the suspect black Audi, that we could review.”
Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/
Slieve Gullion area Sinn Féin Councillor Aoife Finnegan called for people to be watchful after what she described as an “attempted break-in” on the Sheetrim Road in Cullyhanna.
“Video footage of the thieves shows them attempting to break into a family home,” she said.
“I would ask that anyone that may have seen the vehicle used or noticed any type of suspicious activity in the area, to contact the PSNI with details.
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