Pensioners left shaken as car windows smashed

The couple in their sixties, who live in the Richmond Heights area, had just gone to bed before 11am on Sunday, October 12, when they heard “awful bangs” and thought it was gun shots.

The lady explained: “We had were reading when we heard two awful bangs and thought it sounded like gun shots at our front door.

“We didn’t know what to think.

“My husband jumped out of bed and couldn’t see anything from the window so went downstairs and put the outside lights on.

“Our neighbours were already there but nobody saw anything as it all happened so quickly.”

The couple’s Honda 4x4’s front, side and back windows have been damaged with what police believe to have been a claw hammer.

“This is the last thing we needed and has left us feeling vulnerable.

“I can’t think of any reason why anyonw would target us. This is a quiet are and mostly pensioners live here.

“It is just sensless and there is nothing to be gained by it. “The person or people responsible need to think of others and the duistress this sort of thing puts them through.

“As well as the annoyance we’ve been told that our insurance which is due at the end of the month will now be rising from £235 to £306.”

Police in Banbridge are appealing for information following the incident of criminal damage.

Sergeant Billy Stewart, Banbridge Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Around 11.20pm on Sunday, October 12, the rear and side windows of a brown/beige Honda CRV vehicle were smashed.

“The vehicle was parked at Richmond Heights.

“We’d like to hear from anyone who witnessed the damage being caused or has information in relation to this incident.

“We can be contacted in Banbridge on the 101 number.”

If you prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.