Condemnation of armed robberies at Mid Ulster shops
There has been condemnation and disgust at the armed robberies of three shops in Mid Ulster.
The shops – in Ballyronan, Coagh and Clonoe – were targeted in the shocking incidents on Thursday morning, 30th January.
The first robbery at a filling station on the Ballinderry Bridge Road in Coagh, took place at approximately 6.50am. Two masked men, armed with a handgun, entered McCrystal’s Day Today store and threatened staff, placing a weapon to the head of one man and forcing him to open the till.
The robbers made off with a sum of cash, travelling in a vehicle driven by a third man.
The second robbery happened at a supermarket on Shore Road in Ballyronan and was reported just before 7am. Again, two men armed with a handgun, threatened staff, placing the gun to the head of one staff member, before making off with cash and a quantity of cigarettes.
A short time later the third armed robbery was reported. This time Lynch’s SPAR on Moor Road in Clonoe was robbed at gunpoint, with the suspects again making off with cash.
Police have launched an investigation into the incidents and believe a blue Audi A6 was used by the robbers. They said the vehicle had been stolen earlier on 30th January from outside an address in Portadown, while it was being left running to warm up.
The vehicle was subsequently found on fire at Drumcree Community Centre at around 8.40am.
“Thankfully no one was injured during any of these robberies, however staff have been left understandably shocked by the ordeal they experienced,” said Detective Inspector Handley.
‘My thoughts are with the staff – they should not have to face this in their workplace’
The incidents have been condemned by local politicians and community representatives. Councillor Malachy Quinn said he was “absolutely disgusted” by the news, and said the armed robbery in Clonoe was “nothing short of an attack on our community”.
“Everyone knows the massive role SPAR plays in our community – not just as a shop but through donations to local charities, sports clubs, and community initiatives,” he said in a statement on social media.
“My thoughts are with the staff who were put through this ordeal – they should not have to face this in their workplace.”
Eoin Tennyson MLA also condemned the incident and said it was “absolutely disgraceful” the car was set on fire after being stolen.
“The thugs responsible have shown a blatant disregard for the local community who use and rely on the centre, which thankfully remains open,” he said, urging anyone with information to contact police.
Detectives investigating the incidents have asked for anyone with information or who may have captured CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could assist investigators, to contact police by calling 101, quoting reference 201 30/01/25.
Information can also be submitted online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
