Motorists urged to lock away valuables

The crime prevention advice comes in the wake of a car being broken into and a handbag taken in Ballymena on Tuesday, March 19.

The incident occurred at a car park in the Trostan Avenue area of the town.

The car owner had parked and locked her car, but left her handbag in full view. The car window was smashed and the handbag taken.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “This type of crime is opportunistic but can be prevented by locking items such a purses and handbags in the boot of the car or out of view. Police warn that it can only take a matter of seconds to break into a car and would urge members of the public to quickly report all suspicious activity near vehicles, or car alarms that have been activated. This will help police to deter and detect criminals who engage in opportunist crime.”