CONCERN… Harold Andrews
PEOPLE in rural areas are living in fear as burglars continue to operate right across the county.
Since the new year there have been at least 14 incidents of burglary in the county targeting areas from Enniskillen through to Ederney, Teemore Irvinestown and Newtownbutler.
Just last week two properties in the Ederney area were targeted with police investigating the possibility they may be linked.
The first incident was a report of a burglary in Church Street on February 4. Meanwhile, a garage was entered in the Grove Heights area sometime overnight. This was reported to police on February 4.
In a third incident, a householder believes they may have disturbed someone who was attempting to steal tools from their garage in the Grove Heights area in the early hours of February 4.
Belleek SDLP representative John Coyle has said that many elderly and vulnerable people in the area are living in fear that they may be next.
“I would be concerned, especially for the safety of elderly people living on their own.
“I know that up towards Tullyhommon and Pettigo there has been a spate of burglaries over the past fortnight and it is worrying these are going on. I think we may need more police active in the local areas to help curb this crime.”
Mr Coyle has suggested that a neighbourhood watch scheme, involving better local cooperation be implemented.
“If anything happens people need to be aware and need to let other people know of the dangers.
“We need to work together to ensure the thieves do not win. If you think someone is in danger check on them to make sure they’re safe and if you see someone suspicious in the area let the police know about it.”
He added: “The government needs to address rural deprivation and isolation and if I’m elected will be to campaign for better services for people in local areas.
Roslea UUP councillor Harold Andrews explained that local people are worried that they may be targeted next.
“I know farmers would be very concerned in some areas about the lack of police on the ground to apprehend these people.
“Unfortunately very few of those who have targeted farmers stealing tractors, trailers and livestock have been brought in front of courts.
“Farmers though are careless, leaving keys in tractors and it is easy pickings in a lot of cases. We need to get smarter and make the necessary precautions.”
Mr Andrews has suggested all tractors should be marked either by police and safety devices should be installed to prevent theft.
He had one final warmer for local farmers.
“There’s no doubt about it people should be vary wary of strange vehicles about their yard or being driving into their yard.
“People can make excuses and say they are selling things, but it is only a front to see if there’s anything worth taking in your yard.
“I would encourage all farmers to join Fermanagh Watch run by police. They come out and identify and mark your machinery.
“They put a watermark on machinery, which isn’t visible and can then be scanned if police come across the vehicle. It is a very, very good initiative.
“There is also a sign put on your avenue which is a good deterrent for thieves.”
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