DETECTIVES in Downpatrick are appealing for information following  an armed robbery that occurred in Ardglass this morning  (Monday 22 April).
Councillor Dermot Curran has condemned the incident as “disgraceful and heartless”. He said: “This robbery must be totally condemned. It is utterly unacceptable to rob local clubs and businesses and even more so when the robbers are armed and threaten staff
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Councillor Dermot Curran has condemned the armed robbery at Ardglass Golf Club.[/caption]
“Whoever is doing this must desist before it all gets out of control and someone is seriously injured or killed. I have spoken to the Manager at Ardglass Golf Club and understand his staff are fine although shaken by the terrible experience.
Councillor Dermot Curran has condemned the armed robbery at Ardglass Golf Club.[/caption]
“Whoever is doing this must desist before it all gets out of control and someone is seriously injured or killed. I have spoken to the Manager at Ardglass Golf Club and understand his staff are fine although shaken by the terrible experience.
“I will raise this matter at the next meeting of the Policing and Community Partnership Board. Is it time for us to have another knife amnesty? No-one should be carrying such weapons and we must do what we can to raise awareness about this crime and how to stop it. Sawn off shotguns have also been used in robberies here in the past and this is extremely dangerous and an accident is waiting to happen.
“Over the years there have been these types of attacks in Ardglass and to date none of the assailants have been caught. The police need to be more proactive around the village and the local area and try and deter this sort of crime if possible. I appreciate how difficult it can be but we cannot let these robbers walk over us as a community.”
The incident happened at approximately 10.55am when two masked men, both armed with knives, entered Ardglass Golf Club in the Castle Place area of Ardglass and demanded money from staff. The two men left with a sum of money in a silver BMW. The getaway car was later recovered in the Ballygilbert Road area.  No staff were injured in the ordeal.One of the men is described as being of heavy build and was wearing a black top, black waterproof  jacket, dark bottoms and a red hat or scarf. The second man is described as being tall, of slim build and was wearing a black top and dark clothing.
Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact CID in Downpatrick Police Station on 0845 600 8000. Or if someone would prefer to provide inormation without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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