Security stepped up and police probe launched after break-ins at Derry city centre apartment block

Security has been stepped up at a block of apartments in Derry city centre following a series of break-ins.

A resident of River Court apartments (pictured) at John Street said his flat was broken into on Monday of last week while another attempt to break-in to his flat was made last Thursday.

The man said that his front door was kicked in during the burglary on Monday and that a large number of cash which he was saving to buy a house was stolen during the break-in.

The man said that a number of other items were stolen from his flat.

The apartment complex (pictured), which is made up for 32 flats, is managed by Habinteg Housing Association.

He claimed those responsible for the break-ins had gained access to the building by using the code to the main front door of the apartment complex.

A Habinteg spokesperson said the code for the front door had been changed following the incident last Thursday.

However, the spokesperson denied the code had been used to access the building during last Monday’s break-in.

“The entry code for the above named apartments has been changed following unauthorised entry to the building (Thursday),” the spokesperson said.

“Our own member of staff notified the police immediately and we are investigating the suspicion that the number was passed to a non-resident.

“The CCTV footage has been checked by staff members and unauthorised use of the entry code was not the method by which the previous break-in took place.”

It is understood that last week’s incidents at the River Court apartments are now being investigated by the PSNI.