A Belfast business has issued a plea after reports of multiple break-ins at their premises over the Christmas period.
Total Homes NI, a home improvement company, shared an appeal to parents and local people in the Ballygomartin Road area to come forward with information as they claim to be in possession of the name of a suspect.
The company says they are "completely distraught to have to start 2023, dealing with a break-in".
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Their statement read: "We are completely distraught to have to start 2023, dealing with a break-in at our premises. Our recently completed garden show rooms, office space and conservatory showrooms have been extensively ransacked and damaged beyond belief. Fixtures and fittings, electronics and furniture are no longer fit for purpose and to read graffiti including that of sectarian nature is most soul destroying.
"Between the dates of 22nd December and 1st January we were broke into on numerous occasions, mostly between the hours of 7pm and 10pm. There were between 7 and 14 intruders on different occasions, and we suspect in the age range of 16-19.
"We appeal to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity, to make contact with either the Company or the police. During this time a number of dog walkers can be viewed on CCTV. We believe this act of criminality was carried out by a secluded group of local young teenagers, who are by no means representative of the good people in our area. Please help us bring an end to this criminal activity.
"We have worked beyond hard to keep our business afloat and secure continued employment within the local community over the past couple of years. This is a major knock back that we do not need at this time or indeed anytime."
In a statement to Belfast Live, a PSNI spokesperson said: "Police in north Belfast received a report on Friday 30th December of a number of incidents of burglary and criminal damage at commercial premises in the Ballygomartin Industrial Estate. It was reported that unknown persons had gained entry to the premises on a number of occasions in the days leading up to the time of report and caused damage inside.
"A further report was received on Monday 2nd January that entry had been gained on the evening of Sunday 1st January, with further damage caused.
"Police enquiries into these incidents are ongoing and officers would ask anyone with any information which could assist to call them at Tennent Street on 101 quoting reference number 1852 30/12/22. A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/."
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