DCDR humbled by Public Response to Break-in.
The Downpatrick and County Down Railway has suffered a break-in and smashed railway carriage window.
After posting stills from the CCTV footage of the incident, the heritage railway has been inundated with wishes of support. Members of DCDR ideeply humbled by the response of the public to the crime. There were potential leads to the crime from CCTV footage. To date £1,140 so far has bee raised towards the repairs and security enhancements.
Railway chairman Robert Gardiner outlined what happened and said: “Whilst we’ve been observing the lockdown and trying to keep people’s spirits up with our Facebook posts, it turns out that not everyone has been following the government’s rules.
“On Sunday 26th April, one person just couldn’t wait until we re-opened, so they paid us a visit, brazenly climbing over the front gate. Then he tried to gain access to our buffet train.
“The intruder forced the external doors and then apparently helping himself to some leftover chocolate bars inside when he couldn’t get into the locked store. He resorted to trying to get in through the window by lobbing a brick at it.”
Mr Gardiner added: “Fortunately, he only smashed one pane of the toughened, double-glazed window and he made off. It will be costly to replace, and we don’t have spare glass for this particular window in our stores – and it’s also difficult given that most businesses are also in lockdown.”
The DCDR fears criminal elements would attempt to take advantage of the lockdown situation. They have been in regular contact with Police in Newry Mourne & Down who have already stepped up patrols in the area. Police have also assisted in helping to secure the site further.
Mr Gardiner explained how the incident was discovered. “What this person doesn’t know is that we haven’t abandoned the station. His deeds were soon discovered during one of our very regular random security checks. The CCTV footage of the incident has been passed on to the police who are currently examining it.
“If you recognise this male please get in touch with Downpatrick PSNI by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. He has a shaven head, a light blue hooded jacket with white lining and grey/blue trousers. If anyone saw him acting suspiciously around the railway station on Sunday 26th April around noon, then please call the police.”
Mr Gardiner also made another appeal to those who live or shop in the Downpatrick area.
“We would also like to ask for any of our followers who live in the area if they might be interested in ‘adopting the station’. This involves keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity around the station. It could be you’re out for your daily exercise, walking your dog or going for a run around the front car park, or in shopping at ASDA. It just means taking a look in the yard for anyone who looks like they shouldn’t be there. Then drop us an email to info@downrail.co.uk or private message us on our facebook page – @downrail. If you see anything suspicious happening, please contact the police first.
“At this time the DCDR does not qualify for any of the Northern Ireland Executive’s grants for businesses – so we’re on our own, and it’s a struggle.
“We very much appreciate all the donations made so far. If you want to make a donation you can make towards these repairs and any other security improvements. Again you can do so by visiting our Facebook page or website. And please remember to select Gift Aid when donating as this will increase the value of your donation by 25%.”
