SD Kells director 'annoyed' that thieves were able to ram-raid city centre store

By Brett Campbell

The director of a menswear clothing chain in Northern Ireland says he's annoyed that thieves were able to ram-raid his store in Belfast City. Centre. 

A car was used to reverse through the double window of SD Kells on Bedford Street in the early hours of this morning.   

A number of men then filled the the Vauxhall Corsa with high end items.

Got sent this last night... Absolutely disgusted..... my heart goes out to our friends and fellow menswear legends at SD Kells... as if we all didnt have enough to deal with. Scumbags 🤬🤬🤬 if anyone recognises this car or persons, please call the Police! pic.twitter.com/sP5wjp5mB7

— Chris Suitor GGG - SuitorBros (@SuitorBrothers) April 4, 2020

They failed to close the boot properly allowing bundles of clothing to fall out as the car made a quick getaway. 

Stanley McElwaine says the whole thing happened within a matter of seconds.    

"They had attempted it the night before but they couldn't do it," he added. 

The director of the family run chain which has around 20 stores in Northern Ireland was at home in Enniskillen when he got the phone call and quickly made his way to the city centre store which is managed by his son.  

The vehicle, which had been reported stolen from the Newtownabbey area on Friday, was later recovered near St Peters Court. 

Detective Inspector Andy George said is appealing for information. 

"Police are aware that of footage of this incident is circulating online and I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who has recorded dash-cam or mobile phone footage. Please call 101, quoting reference 1515 04/04/20," he said. 

Video footage is circulating on social media which appears to show a car outside the shop before departing at speed.

The video was posted on Twitter by Chris Suitor, who runs a menswear shop close to SD Kells.

He voiced his disgust at the incident, expressing solidarity with the shop owners and urging anyone with information to assist the police investigation.