Police are investigating the possible link between two burglaries and a theft which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning.

A shop on the Sligo Road in Letterbreen was broken into while there was also a burglary at Castlederg Road, Ederney and a trailer was stolen in Belcoo.

Paul Holder, owner of the Spar shop in Letterbreen which was targeted was relieved nothing was taken from the shop but there was some damage caused during the break in.

Paul expressed his frustration at this latest incident in the county but said the response from the community was one positive to take from it all.

“Everybody is struggling as it is and you’re doing your best to have a shop there for the local community and then this happens.

“Anybody that came in, in the afternoon were very supportive so that’s a big plus.

“Everybody was very concerned and worried and asking how you are doing. They are concerned about what happened. It’s good that way and it certainly brings out the best in people.”

It is believed that the thieves had managed to remove the safe from the shop and put it on to a trailer when police arrived on scene.

However, whilst making their getaway, the safe fell off the back of the trailer.

It is believed the trailer was then removed around two miles from the shop and left in the middle of the road to stop police pursuing the getaway vehicle.

Police are appealing for information on any of the incidents.

Sergeant Patton said: “Shortly before 3:40am, it was reported that entry was gained to a property in the area.

“Damage was caused to the property during the incident.

“Enquiries are continuing, and we are investigating a potential link to a burglary at Castlederg Road, Ederney overnight and the theft of a trailer from the Belcoo area.

“I would appeal to anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the area to contact police at Enniskillen on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 178 29/08/19.

Alternatively, 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.”