An Armagh pensioner has described the moment two suspected thieves fled his land in broad daylight after he came “face-to-face” with them in the Desart Lane area.
The man, who has not been named, said he was working on his plot of land on Friday, August 14, when he heard voices nearby. He initially paid little attention because a number of wakes were taking place in the area that day.
He later said he caught two men with Southern accents “red-handed” on the site. The resident believes they may have been intending to steal tools or machinery kept on the land.
Suspects fled over seven-foot gate
The pensioner said the men appeared as though they might confront him before running away. They escaped over a gate around seven feet high, damaging it during their flight, before reaching a car nearby.
“They took a flying leap at the gate which is about 7ft in height. The two of them flew through the air and half wrecked the gate in the process. Then they ran about ten yards to their car. I was lucky enough to grab their registration before they took off.”
He said the pair got into a black Audi hatchback and drove away. The resident immediately contacted police and provided officers with the vehicle registration and other details.
No property was taken during the incident. The man said he wanted to warn residents to remain alert, particularly when people may be distracted by difficult personal circumstances in the community.
“There are some rattlesnakes out there that will take full advantage of other people’s sadness. People were distracted that day with the wakes and everything going on. I was fortunate to have been there when I was.”
Police appeal for information
Police confirmed they are investigating a report of an attempted burglary in Armagh. The incident was reported shortly after 8pm on August 14, when two men were seen trespassing on land in the Desart Lane area.
According to police, the men left after being disturbed by the landowner and caused damage to a fence as they made off.
The resident praised the responding officers as “extremely good”. While waiting for police to arrive, he also encountered three women and a man who stayed with him and witnessed what happened. He thanked the four people for their kindness, saying they had “restored my faith in humanity”.
Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the Desart Lane area, or who has CCTV or other footage that could assist the investigation, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1535 14/08/26.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.