Police are appealing for information after substantial damage was caused during a burglary at a vacant leisure centre in the Brownlow area of Craigavon. The damage is expected to cost tens of thousands of pounds, while officers are investigating a possible link with recent reports of young people gathering at the site.

Tens of thousands of pounds of damage caused at Craigavon leisure centre

Police have launched an appeal for information following a burglary at a vacant leisure centre in Craigavon, where substantial damage was caused inside the building.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland received a report shortly after 10.10am on Monday, 17 August 2026, concerning the leisure centre in the Brownlow area.

Officers said substantial damage had been caused inside the building, with the cost expected to run into tens of thousands of pounds.

Readers can find more local stories, events and community information on the Northern Ireland Online Craigavon page.

Craigavon leisure centre burglary believed to have happened over weekend

Sergeant Graham said police believe the burglary happened at some point between Friday, 14 August and Sunday, 16 August.

Police have also received recent reports of young people gathering in the area and are investigating whether there may be a connection.

Sergeant Graham said:

“We have received a number of recent reports of young people gathering in the area and are exploring a potential link to this burglary, which we believe occurred at some point over the weekend Friday 14th to Sunday 16th August.”

Police are aware of concerns within the local community about anti-social behaviour around the vacant building.

As a result, officers said visible patrols will be increased in an effort to deter further incidents.

Police warning over anti-social behaviour

Sergeant Graham said those involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour must understand the potential consequences.

Police are also asking parents and guardians to speak to young people about where they are going and who they are spending time with.

Officers warned that becoming involved in criminal activity could result in injury or a criminal record, which may later affect employment and travel opportunities.

Readers can follow further crime and policing news from Northern Ireland Online.

Appeal for witnesses and footage

Police enquiries into the Craigavon leisure centre burglary remain ongoing.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the Brownlow area, or who has information that could assist the investigation, is being asked to come forward.

Police are particularly interested in any relevant Ring doorbell, CCTV, mobile phone or other video footage.

Information can be submitted directly through the PSNI witness appeal form, quoting reference 420 of 17/08/26. PSNI continues to provide its witness appeals service for information relating to ongoing investigations.

You can also:

• Call PSNI on 101
• Visit the PSNI reporting page
• View the latest PSNI appeals for information

Give information anonymously through Crimestoppers

Anyone who does not want to contact police directly can provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity that allows information about crime to be provided anonymously.

You can:

• Call Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111