Ulster Unionist representatives Danny Kennedy MLA and Cllr David Taylor have expressed their serious concerns at the level of criminal activity currently taking place in the Bessbrook area.
Danny Kennedy, MLA for Newry and Armagh said:
“There have been a series of break-ins and robberies over the past number of days, which included the killing of a family pet, ransacking of properties and theft of valuables in a number of houses in the village and its wider environs. Local people feel vulnerable and afraid. I am calling on the entire community to be vigilant and assist the PSNI with any information they might have to thwart the criminal gang currently operating in the area.
“I have spoken to senior Police commanders in the area asking for more resources to be deployed in Bessbrook. Ever since the closure of the PSNI Station in the village a number of years ago, many people have felt exposed and vulnerable - particularly the elderly. Action is required by the Police to provide confidence to the entire local community.”
Local Councillor David Taylor said:
“I sympathise with those families and individuals who have experienced burglaries recently in the Bessbrook area. I will be pursuing the issues with the PSNI.”