Detectives are investigating a burglary at Beatty’s Spar, Ballinamallard where a “considerable amount of damage” was caused to the premises during a break-in in the early hours of Monday morning (June 15).

It is understood that a quantity of cigarettes were stolen but no money was taken during the incident.

A spokesman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stated: “Detectives are investigating a burglary at a shop on Main Street, Ballinamallard, in the early hours of Monday, June 15.

“It is believed that entry was gained to the property at around 2am with a considerable amount of damage caused to the premises. It is unclear if anything has been taken at this time.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact detectives in Enniskillen on 101 quoting reference number 190 14/06/20. Information can also be reported online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/,” the police spokesman concluded.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Diana Armstrong met with the shop’s owner Lexie Beatty on Tuesday morning (June 16) where she spent some time viewing the scene of the crime and watching the CCTV footage taken during the incident.

Mrs. Armstrong stated: “It is utterly disgraceful that at a time of national emergency, with the Covid-19 pandemic, individuals stooped to low level criminal activity, with the robbery at Beatty’s Supermarket in Ballinamallard in the early hours of Monday morning.

“ Thankfully, due to good security measures, this attempt was thwarted and the robbers escaped with very little.”

“These selfish actions contrast with the goodwill shown by Lexie Beatty recently in working with Ballinamallard Football Club to provide meals to the elderly and vulnerable in the village.

“Village supermarkets are increasingly playing an important role in the current crisis and despicable robberies like this threaten livelihoods and employment. If you have any information on this robbery, please come forward to the PSNI by ringing 101 or by contacting any local representative,” she concluded.

Commenting on the impact of opportunistic theft at this time and offering advice to business owners on how to protect their premises, PSNI Chief Inspector Roy Robinson said: “We understand this is a difficult time for many businesses. During this unprecedented time we continue to patrol commercial areas and around business premises.

“Adopting good crime prevention practices will help mitigate your chance of becoming a victim to crime.

“Here is some crime prevention advice which may assist in protecting your business premises at this difficult time: Conduct regular security checks of your premises, test and set your alarm and ensure it is fully operational, ensure internal doors, security gates, bollards and fire exit doors are secure, remove high value items into secured locations (if practical) and remove cash from the premises and install signage stating all cash or valuables have been removed.”

“This a worrying time for many local businesses, not just in terms of what the future might hold, but also in terms of protecting your premises from opportunistic theft at this time. Implementing good crime prevention practices may help mitigate against theft or damage,” Chief Inspector Robinson added.

For further crime prevention advice contact your local crime prevention officer on 101 - in an emergency dial 999.