PEOPLE in Dromore fear their village is being marked as a ‘hunting ground’ for thieves after seven cars were burgled while their owners attended Mass on Saturday night.


Handbags, money and a number of other valuable items were all stolen from the vehicles parked outside St Davog’s Church.
According to West Tyrone Sinn Fein councillor, Glenn Campbell, this is just one of a number of burglaries which have occurred in the area in recent times.


And as a result, people in the area fear that Dromore has become an ‘easy target’ for criminal activity.


“I was disgusted to learn that a number of vehicles were broken into in St. Davog’s Chapel on Saturday night while parishioners attended Mass,” said Mr. Campbell, “This is the latest attack on the people of Dromore by criminals operating in the area. Those responsible for these crimes have nothing to offer our community and it is the responsibility of the PSNI to take decisive action.”


Conceding that the latest criminal activity could have been carried out by ‘opportunistic thieves passing through’, the councillor said many local people felt those responsible were ‘no strangers’ to the area.


“This is a sentiment often expressed to me when worried constituents reflect on such devastating crimes,” he said, “There is a growing anger locally that criminals have, in recent times, moved in and marked Dromore as their hunting ground.
“I have spoken to the PSNI and will continue to raise the concerns of local people in the time ahead. In the meantime, I would appeal to people to never leave valuables in their car and to watch out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours.”


According to police, the incidents in Dromore are believed to have happened sometime between 7pm and 7.50pm on Saturday.


Inspector Christian Bradley said “I would appeal to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the area or anyone to contact them at Omagh on the non-emergency number 101. Police are also keen to speak to the driver of a red car, as they may be able to assist us with our enquiries. If someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”