The brave actions earned high praise from PSNI Inspector Roy Robinson RMGFH43
‘Eagle-eyed’ people in Derrylin who carried out a ‘citizen’s arrest’ of six suspected thieves have been praised for their actions in helping to tackle rural crime.
Six people were arrested, two vehicles were seized and a quantity of suspected stolen property was seized following a report of burglary at a house in the Teemore Road area of Derrylin.
Police received a report of suspicious activity in the area and when they arrived at the scene they established that a propoerty had been burgled and local residents assisted police in identifying those believed to be responsible.
Two men aged 20 and 18, and two females aged 17 and 16, were later released pending a report being sent to the Public Prosecution Service. Two men aged 23 and 20 were also released on bail pending further enquiries.
This week PSNI inspector Roy Robinson confirmed that the local people performed a ‘citizen’s arrest’, detaining the six people until police arrived at the scene.
“The local people realised what was going on and they blocked the vehicle in and then effected a citizen’s arrest until police arrived so we’re deeply indebted to a number of individuals. It was eagle-eyed people who were quickly off the mark who realised there was something untoward going on. They investigated it and came across them.”
He continued: “They held them there until police arrived. It was very impressive and we were so grateful to them for that. That’s why the vigilance of the public is so important, the police can’t be there 24/7.”
Mr Robinson commended members of the public across the county for their sterling work in preventing rural crime.
“We have people on a daily basis ringing about suspect vehicles in the area and we have been travelling to these areas and satisfying ourselves that nothing untoward has been taking place.”
In the Teemore and Derrylin areas of the county there has been a noticeable increase in the number of burglaries reported to police and Mr Robinson recognised that border locations are vulnerable to crime.
“A rural area next to the border can have spikes up and down there’s no doubt about that. A rural area where someone pops back and forth across the border can see an increase in crime and we would be liaising closely with the Garda. If we recognise a suspicious vehicle we can quickly alert the Garda to check it out. There is close cooperation and its invaluable that we are working with the Garda on both sides of the border.
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