Cookstown cars and businesses target for criminal damage and burglaries at weekend

by Gráinne Connolly

Detectives in Cookstown are appealing for information following reports of criminal damage and thefts in Cookstown at the weekend. 

Detective Constable Clodagh Dunlop said:

"Police received a report of criminal damage to a vehicle – a blue Nissan Micra - parked in the Burn Road area of the town at approximately 9:40pm on Saturday, 17th February. It was reported that the passenger front window of the vehicle was broken.

"Police received a further four reports of criminal damage to vehicles parked in the Burn Road area – a beige Volkswagen Golf; a grey Volkswagen Fox; a black Volkswagen Golf and a grey Seat Alhambra.

"It was reported that damage was caused to windows and items stolen, including make-up, a bag and a sum of money.

"It’s believed all of these incidents occurred sometime between 7:30pm on Saturday 17th February and the time it was reported to us." 

Meanwhile, entry was forced into a number of premises in the town during the same weekend, and were burgaled. 

Detective Dunlop said: 

"Police received a report at 11:05am on Sunday 18th February that entry had been forced to commercial premises on Burn Road. It was reported that a door was damaged and a sum of money was stolen. It’s believed this occurred sometime between 4:35am and 4:40am that morning. 

"Later that afternoon, police received a report at around 3:40pm that entry had been forced to commercial premises, also in the Burn Road area, and that a window and door had been damaged.

"It's believed the incident occurred between 5pm on Saturday 17th February and the time it was reported to us. 


"Just after 4:20pm on Sunday 18th February, it was reported that a burglary had occurred at another commercial premises in the Burn Road area. It's believed this occurred sometime between 5pm on Saturday 17th February and the time it was reported to us. It was reported a sum of cash was stolen. 

"At approximately 5:40pm that evening, police received a report of a burglary at commercial premises in the William Street area of Cookstown and a door had been damaged. It's believed the incident occurred between 1am and 7am on Sunday 18th February. 

“We believed these incidents are linked at this time and we are appealing who was in these areas around these times and witnessed any suspicious activity, or has information which may be useful to our investigation to contact Detectives in Cookstown quoting reference number CCS 539 of 18/02/18 or CCS 1317 of 17/02/18. 

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”