Rural crime is on the rise in west Fermanagh
A RURAL crime spree has spread across parts of west Fermanagh, including Garrison and Belcoo, following a spate of burglaries in the area.
There has been heightened concern from local police over rising rural crimes after a number of burglaries were reported in the area in the past few weeks.
It is believed that some of the burglaries in the Garrison area are linked as three houses within a close range were targeted over the space of five days.
On September 14, it was reported that a house had been broken into in the Cashel Road area of Garrison, while a house on the Loughside Road was targeted on September 15. However, nothing was taken in either burglary.
Detectives investigating the two burglaries have appealed to anyone who noticed anything suspicious to come forward.
While enquiries are ongoing, police are investigating the possibility that these incidents may be linked.
A few days later police were called to a building site at Rusheen Rusheen Heights in Garrison to investigate the theft of batteries, a steel lifting chain and diesel which had been stolen from a track digger.
It is thought the theft may have taken place sometime between 5pm on September 19 and 8.30am on September 20.
Nearby on the Ballintempo Road area of Belcoo a Honda Foreman 450 farm quad was been taken from an outfarm sometime between 4pm on September 20 and 10am on September 21.
Local independent councillor for Erne west, Bernice Swift, said the thefts were “very concerning”.
“The recent crime spree in parts of Erne West is very concerning as it has become apparent that criminals are turning away from the high security areas in towns to rural areas where there is less risk of getting caught and where criminal gangs can operate more freely,” she said.
“In light of the many burglaries I recommend that everyone be extra vigilant by sensibly protecting their belongings and properties. Everyone must take very practical safety measures to avoid opportunist theft and burglaries.”
“The visible presence and ongoing stop and searches by PSNI patrols with checkpoints have obviously totally missed the gangs of criminals. Criminals have operated freely in the most susceptible rural areas, this in itself is highly questionable, unacceptable and deserves recourse.”
Rural crime has been the focus of news reports this week after it emerged that almost 9,000 cattle has gone missing or were stolen over the past three years.
There has been widespread concern that organised crimes may be involved with the theft of cattle across the North, including parts of Fermanagh.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “As a general rule, police would urge the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to them as soon as possible so it can be thoroughly investigated.
“It is also important to ensure members of the public adopt appropriate crime prevention measures so as to minimise their risk of becoming a victim of crime.
Police has appealed to anyone who can help with their enquiries to contact them on 0845 600 8000.
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