Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Local People Angered at Increase in Criminal Activity

Published: 13 October, 2008


Commenting after a rash of serious criminal activity including vehicle theft and home break ins in the Meigh, Killeen and Dromintee areas. Sinn Féin Slieve Gullion Councillor, Packie McDonald said,

"I am concerned that there seems to be an increase in organised crime throughout South Armagh with gangs operating in the area carrying out household burglaries."

The PSNI at this time need to clamp down on these gangs and I am calling on the people of the area to be vigilant.

Councillor, Packie mc Donald confirmed that the PSNI had raided a roadside site that had recently been set up by Travellers.

The Councillor stated that he could not comment on speculation that stolen property including vehicles had been recovered and said,

"I understand the anger of many local people at the recent incidents and I am aware that most of the anger is focused on the activities of some of those who had recently been stopping at this impromptu halting site. However it would be unfair to in any way to attempt to put a collective blame for the criminal actions or anti social behaviour of a few onto the entire Travelling community.

Settled people don't have to carry that collective blame and neither should the Travelling community,"

He concluded by stating that the vision for all who worked with Travellers was for an Ireland where everyone could achieve the fullest of their potential and where ethnicity was not a barrier to participation.

"To achieve this we must all play a part. This vision presents a challenge to both Travellers and settled people alike. The Traveller community has many issues and problems it needs to deal with, and indeed these reflect problems within wider society" said the Newry and Mourne Councillor