Two weeks ago, also in the Belleek area,  a handbag was stolen from a car outside a church, while a beautician had over £2,000 of products stolen in a ‘smash and grab’. Other recent incidents in the area include a burglary at a house in the Pettigo Road area of Kesh when two legally held firearms and a sum of cash was stolen during the burglary. 

While it is not known if the crimes are linked, there are fears that a crossborder gang could be behind the spate of incidents and residents are advised to be vigilant and take precautions to ensure their property remains safe. 

SDLP Councillor John Coyle, is frustrated by the events in the county, and is working to set up a neighbourhood watch in the Belleek area, in a step to combat these thefts. 

“The public are frustrated that the people committing these crimes have not been caught, but they are very enthusiastic to get involved in the neighbourhood watch. It is about being vigilant, and reporting anything suspicious that they see in the area.”

“Last week I put a post on social media, and I received a number of messages from people who witnessed people trying car doors to see if they were open and acting suspicious in the Belleek area. 

I know it is scary to see, but anyone who sees any incidents try and get the registration of the car to help track the criminals doing this,” said Councillor John  Coyle.

Meanwhile, in the Dromore area, a similar incident occurred on Saturday October 29th when entry was gained to a residential premises and a sum of money was stolen along with three old Bank of England notes and some foreign currency. Also stolen from the premises were three designer handbags, Prada, Michael Kors and Burberry along with two gold wedding rings.