A 41-year-old man was sentenced at Londonderry Crown Court on Monday 29 July for burglary of a commercial premises in the city during the Easter period last year. 

John Patrick McGilloway was sentenced to two years - one year in prison and one year on licence - for the burglary at a hairdressing salon on Foyle Street, which was reported to police on 11th April 2023. Cash and stock, including hair styling equipment, was stolen.  

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Gingell from North West Criminal Investigation Division said: "Burglary can have a significant impact and, in this case, not only was there the distress of what happened for those impacted, but there was also a financial impact for the business."

Detective Sergeant Gingell added: "We continue to urge all business owners, employees and members of the public to report business crime to police as soon as possible. The sooner reports are made to us, the sooner we can investigate and build a picture or pattern of any offending, and coordinate our resources to tackle the issue.

“To make a report or request crime prevention advice or guidance from a local officer, please contact police on 101. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”