Residents of south Belfast are warned to be vigilant following spate of burglaries

RESIDENTS in the Stranmillis and Lisburn Road areas of South Belfast have been urged to be vigilant after a spate of burglaries.

At least eight incidents are being investigated by police from the last fortnight.

On August 15 a resident in Donnybrook Street reported a male with a knife inside their house demanding money and drugs. The residents were assaulted and a vehicle stolen. A suspect has been arrested and interviewed.

On August 20 a caller in Maryville Park reported his car was stolen along with keys and a watch during a creeper burglary. On the same date a resident in Northbrook Street reported her car stolen with keys. The keys were in the hallway and the front door was left unlocked overnight. The vehicle was recovered.

On August 23 a resident in Cutters Lane reported her daughter’s room was ransacked, after entry was gained via an exterior window. A computer and tablet was stolen.

And the next day a resident in Stranmillis Park reported someone entering their address and stealing car keys and a car. On the same date a resident from the Upper Malone Road area reported items stolen from their address, to the value of £2,300. Entry was gained by forcing the living room front window.

On August 25 a caller from the Willesden Park area reported his house had been broken into via the back window or door. A car was taken with keys, and a knife stolen from the kitchen.

On the same date a resident from Marlborough Park area reported a possible break-in after she woke up to find her front door and gate lying open. A small amount of damage was caused to the front door but no disturbance was heard during the night.

SDLP councillor Gary Mckeown said: “These types of crime are very invasive, and aside from the loss of property, can have a lasting impact on people’s wellbeing, and my thoughts are with each of the people affected.”