AN Erne North councillor has spoken of the “anxiety” that is being felt in Irvinestown after a telescopic handler was stolen from a contractor’s yard in the early hours of Monday morning and then used to break into another yard on the Dromore Road. 
It’s understood the teleporter, which had been taken from a business on the Irvinestown to Enniskillen road at around 12.30am, was then used to damage a wall at the building before it was abandoned.
The machine was also damaged during the incident. 
Democratic Unionist Councillor Raymond Farrell said: “I think any infringement on people’s property or personal space is concerning and I think it does generate anxiety within the community.
“I think there is an onus on the PSNI to ensure every resource is being put into the area to apprehend these people and to provide the assurances that people need at this time,” he said. 
Councillor Farrell, who has spoken to senior police about the situation, added: “I have sought assurances in terms of manpower and that they will be actively pursuing those involved in this. I have also spoken to them about criminal activity in the Irvinestown area.” 
“I would advice people to be extremely cautious and to report anything untoward and to look out for one another at this time,” he told this newspaper.

Impartial Reporter:

In a statement, issued late on Wednesday evening, Sergeant Fox explained that while on routine patrol police found the vehicle in the early hours of Monday morning abandoned at Pound Street, Irvinestown.

"We believe it may have been used in connection with an attempted burglary that occurred close by. It is quite distinctive so we are hoping members of the public may remember seeing it."

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 189 14/08/17, or if they wish to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.