CCTV footage has shown the dramatic moment thieves robbed a warehouse in Enniskillen in the middle of the night stealing tens of thousands of pounds worth of designer clothes.
The video obtained by police is understood to show the moment a light coloured van reversed into the warehouse, owned by SD Kells, last Thursday morning before thieves spent over two hours hand picking items from the department chain’s spring and summer collection. 
Democratic Unionist Councillor Keith Elliott has described the theft as “another example of a highly sophisticated and meticulously planned break in carried out in the dead of night.”
Ian Kells, the managing director of the 90 year old company, has told The Impartial Reporter that he felt “sick” when he was informed about the major theft the next morning (January 25). 
“It’s a massive financial loss. I feel the same as anyone feels when they have had a burglary, personal or business and our business is personal to us.
“I was on my way to Belfast when it was discovered by another director and he was like me, sick and furious,” he said.
The company, which employs 160 staff, had been notified by the Police Service of Northern Ireland after an alarm had sounded after 9pm but this was quickly checked out by one of the directors.
“We are going by CCTV but later, at around 2am, a van arrived here, dealt with the alarm, and left a couple of hours later,” explained Mr. Kells.
It’s understood that security footage shows how the roller shutter of the warehouse was opened, the van was reversed inside and then the roller shutter was closed again. 
“They were then inside and weren’t seen for those couple of hours. They knew what they were doing,” Howard McMorris, the company’s accountant, told this newspaper.
The thieves made off with what the PSNI have said was a “significant amount of clothing”, including popular brand names such as Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, Farah and Wrangler.
“They went through stock and picked and chose what they wanted off the rails, they left plenty behind them but got away with plenty. They got away with too much,” said Mr. Kells.
But Mr. Kells, whose portfolio consists of several department stores across Northern Ireland, said the company “will be fine” and praised his “loyal staff.”
“We have been through a lot worse and might be through a lot worse in the future. There is nobody hurt and SD Kells will go on as we always have,” he said. 
As concerns are raised about the number of thefts in Fermanagh in recent weeks, Councillor Elliott has hit out at the “thugs and vandals” who “have been taking advantage of vulnerable residents and business owners.” 
“The most recent incident has seen a significant amount of clothing stolen from a local and highly esteemed clothing company. It is vital that all businesses take additional steps to ensure their stock and premises are secure on a 24/7 basis. If anyone notices any suspicious behaviour then please report immediately to the PSNI,” he said.
In a statement, the PSNI appealed for information asking anyone who can assist to call 101 quoting reference number 178 of 25/1/18. “Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100 per cent anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime,” said a spokesman.