A NUMBER of burglaries and thefts around the Fermanagh border has left residents fearing that they may be the next victims of crime.
In the past week the PSNI and Garda have received reports of incidents around the Newtownbutler and Clones areas. In one instance a Landcruiser was stolen from a property in the Kidds Road area of Newtownbutler, under the cover of dark.
Commenting on the incident PSNI Inspector Keith Hicks said, “We received a report around 8:40am on Saturday 2 March that entry had been forced to a house in the area sometime between midnight and 6am that morning.
“A number of items were reported stolen, including keys and a sum of money. It was also reported that a silver Toyota Land Cruiser – vehicle registration SIG 2485 – was stolen.
“I want to appeal to anyone who has information about this incident which they believe could assist our investigation, or anyone who is offered a vehicle similar to the one reported stolen for sale in suspicious circumstances to call us.”
Commenting on the latest cross border crime spree to hit Newtownbutler, Councillor Garbhan McPhillips said that yet again the area had been hit with more crimes of this nature. “I am absolutely furious that yet more burglaries have taken place in the south Fermanagh area. The Kidds road in particular which I am very familiar with as I grew up not that far away. I also know the family very well that had their vehicle stolen.
“These latest acts of crime have caused major annoyance and concern for the local people in the Newtownbutler area. Speaking to a few neighbours they expressed their fear that they may be the next victims of these criminal acts.
“I would advise all people of the Erne East area to be vigilant to further burglaries. If anyone is concerned or sees anyone acting suspicious around their homes to contact the PSNI immediately.”
Across the Fermanagh Monaghan border two burglaries occurred a few days beforehand in the neighbouring Clones area. Following this Garda issued an appeal for information. A spokesman said, “We are seeking assistance in relation to two burglaries that occurred in the Rawdeerpark area of Newbliss and Newtownbutler Road, Clones, 27 February during the day. Did you see anything suspicious in or around these areas anytime? If you can offer any assistance please contact us at Clones or Monaghan.”
Meanwhile, locals came together to host a sign up night for Clones Community Alert. Referring to the county text alert scheme the Garda spokesman said, “It is well worth getting involved.”
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