Robbery ‘a major blow’ to adventure centre couple

THE owner of a Belfast adventure centre has described the theft of £15,000 of skiing clothing, as a “major blow” to his business.

Police said at least three people broke into We Are Vertigo, at Cedarhurst Road in Castlereagh, on Wednesday, at around 10.15pm.

They took North Face and Dare2b-branded jackets, trousers and fleeces, before leaving in a white Ford Transit van with a sliding door on the passenger side.

The centre released CCTV footage of the culprits. It shows them using bolt cutters on the main gates, before smashing a door to gain entry and then taking large amounts of new, packaged and tagged clothing gear.

We Are Vertigo is the brainchild of husband and wife team, Gareth and Lorna Murphy.

They opened the centre, which features a trampoline park, climbing wall and ski slopes, as well as a spa area and restaurant in 2013.

Owner Gareth Murphy described Wednesday night’s smash-and-grab as “devastating”.

He said: “Since 2013, we have worked tirelessly to grow the business to offer family-friendly skiing, trampolining and adventure experiences, as well as a luxury spa facility. For thieves to steal this amount of stock, is devastating.

“I would appeal to anyone with any information to contact the PSNI.”

South Belfast DUP MLA Christopher Stalford MLA condemned those behind the theft.

He said “I am saddened about the theft in this well-used facility.

“We Are Vertigo is an attraction that brings hundreds into the area every week. I know many will be disappointed to hear of this attack.”