SDLP West Belfast Assembly candidate Paul Doherty has urged people in the area to look out for their elderly neighbours.

He was speaking after the home of a woman in her 80s was robbed twice in two days.

Mr Doherty visited the woman and said she and other elderly people in the community were fearful following a number of recent incidents.

West Belfast candidate Mr Doherty said:

“It’s an absolute disgrace that an elderly woman living in our community was targeted twice by thieves in just two days. This woman not only had money and other valuables taken from her, but personal items of great sentimental worth that are irreplaceable. I’m absolutely disgusted at those who have treated a vulnerable person in this way and would ask them to take a long hard look at themselves and return the items they took.

“A number of recent incidents have created anxiety in our elderly community and I’m asking people to keep an eye on and pay an extra bit of attention to their elderly neighbours in the next few weeks and months. In West Belfast, we look after each other, that’s one of the things I love the most about this place and I know people will pull together to ensure there is no repeat of this awful incident.

“The people behind this reprehensible act are in no way representative of the people in West Belfast. I see firsthand everyday how generous people are and how they’re willing to go above and beyond to help those in need. I would urge anyone who has any information about these burglaries to come forward to police and I’m calling on our community to come together to send a clear message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”