Two men charged following burglary at licensed premises in Lisburn

Two men have been arrested following a break-in at licensed premises in Lisburn in the early hours of this morning. 

Officers responded when the alarm went off at the commercial property on Ballyskeagh Road shortly after 2am. 

The intruders, who forced their way inside causing damage to the interior of the building, tampered with tills and gaming machines before making off. 

Police stepped up patrols in the area which resulted in a car carrying two males being stopped and searched. 

A quantity of tools and cash were recovered. 

The suspects were arrested and charged on suspicion of a number of offences including burglary and going equipped for burglary. 

A quantity of suspected class A drugs was recovered from one of the males following a person search at the custody suite and he was further arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs.

Both men remain in custody at this time assisting officers with their enquiries.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police in Lisburn have arrested two men, aged 26 and 54, following a burglary at licensed premises on the Ballyskeagh Road in the early hours of Friday 27th March.

"Officers responded to an alarm activation at the property shortly after 2am and found evidence of forced entry and damage inside the premises. Tills and gaming machines also appeared to have been tampered with.

"Additional patrols were dispatched to the area and a car was stopped with two males on board. A search of the vehicle was carried out and a quantity of cash and tools recovered. The men were subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including burglary and going equipped for burglary, and were taken into custody.

"Anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact police in Lisburn on 101 quoting reference number 76 27/03/20. 

"Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."