UUP meets police on rural crime surge

Newry & Armagh Assembly member Danny Kennedy and local government representatives Alderman Jim Speers and Councillor David Taylor requested the meeting with police following the occurrence of a series of incidents which included thefts of vehicles and agricultural machinery in various areas across the constituency over recent weeks.

Mr Kennedy said: “I have been increasingly concerned about the number of incidents of theft which have occurred in rural areas of my Constituency over a recent period of time and felt it was necessary to discuss these concerns with senior PSNI officers.

“The Ulster Unionist Party delegation highlighted their belief that additional resources were required to combat the level of crime which exists at present and we pressed for an immediate response to be provided from the police to allay the very genuine concerns existing within the rural community regarding the upsurge in crime.”

Continuing, Mr Kennedy said: “We were pleased to learn from the senior commanders that additional operations are to be put in place locally by the PSNI to tackle the current upsurge in criminals activity in the area. We would also encourage rural dwellers and those involved in the agricultural sector to co-operate with the Police and take precautionary measures to help protect their machinery and livestock wherever possible.”