Man arrested after reports of attempted access to vehicles in Ballymena neighbourhood

Police arrested a man in his 40s following reports of suspicious activity involving vehicles in a residential area of Ballymena on Saturday night.

Witnesses reported seeing a significant police presence in the Trostan Avenue area at around 9pm on Saturday, July 4, prompting concern among local residents.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland later confirmed officers had arrested a man aged in his 40s on suspicion of a number of offences, including interference with vehicles.

According to police, the arrest followed reports that the man had been observed attempting to gain access to vehicles in the area.

Police investigation ongoing

In a statement, a spokesperson for the PSNI said:

“Police in Ballymena have arrested a man aged in his 40s, on suspicion of offences including interference with vehicles, in the Trostan Avenue area of Ballymena last night, Saturday 4th July.

“This came following a report of the man being observed attempting to gain access to vehicles in the area. He remains in custody at this time.”

The offence of interference with vehicles can include attempting to enter or tamper with a vehicle without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

Police have not released any further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident or whether any vehicles were successfully entered or damaged.

Local residents report police presence

Residents in the Trostan Avenue area reported seeing multiple police vehicles in the neighbourhood shortly after 9pm as officers responded to the incident.

The arrest is likely to provide reassurance to local residents following concerns about vehicle-related crime and suspicious activity in residential areas.

Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing, while the man remains in police custody.