'TIME TO BEAT THE CRIMINALS' - McELROY

Thieves broke into two businesses within days of each other last month but nothing was stolen in either incident.

Thomson Fuels on the Lurgan Road was targetted by thieves who broke into the office portacabin at some point between March 20 and March 22.

The criminals smashed an office window and rifled through the contents before breaking into and ransacking a lorry parked nearby in the yard but they left empty-handed.

During the same period attempts were made to break into the Classy Chassis Car Wash on the Dromore Road. The shutter door at the business's entrance was damaged but the culprits failed to gain entry to the shed at the side of the car wash.

Elsewhere, last weekend criminals tried to steal a car parked outside a house in the town.

Damage was caused to the locks and wiring of the Honda Integra Type R, which was parked at Golf Terrace on Saturday night.

Councillor Jim McElroy said more police are needed out on the streets to prevent incidents like this and to catch the criminals.

"I would welcome the increase in police patrols right across the district," said the DUP councillor.

"The events of the past few weeks show that we need more police out and about to keep an eye on businesses in the area and to keep them from being attacked by criminals.

"These people are a scourge on society and need to be exposed to the full rigours of the law so it is definitely good news that more police will be deployed onto the streets where they are needed most," he added.

The vice-chairman of Banbridge District Council went on to appeal for help in tracking down those responsible for the burglaries and attempted burglaries.

"I would ask anyone with any information, or who saw anything during the days in question to get in touch with police and help them to put the people responsible behind bars," he said.

Anyone with information on any of these incidents is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000.