A series of burglaries and attempted burglaries in north Fermanagh over the weekend have added to the increasing rate of rural crime reported in the county during recent weeks.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in Fermanagh are appealing for information following the burglaries and attempted burglaries which occurred in areas of north Fermanagh including Ederney, Lack and Kesh on Sunday (December 15).

Superintendent Clive Beatty said: “Sometime between 11am and 11.30pm, it was reported that entry was gained to a house in the Leathem Crescent area of Ederney. The property was ransacked, but nothing was believed to have been taken during the incident.”

“At around 6pm, it was reported to police that entry was gained to a property in the Main Street area of Lack and a sum of money was taken during the incident. Shortly before 7pm, It was reported that a window of a house in the Crevenish Road area of Kesh was opened but the persons fled before gaining entry to the property. We are also investigating a report of suspicious vehicles in the Glenarn Close area of Lack at around 6pm on Sunday,” Superintendent Beatty stated.

Noting that enquiries are continuing at this stage and the PSNI are investigating a link between the incidents, Superintendent Beatty added: “We would be particularly keen to speak with anyone who saw a silver coloured Audi A5 in the area of these incidents, as we believe those in the car may be able to assist with our enquiries.”

Ulster Unionist MLA Rosemary Barton has questioned the reaction time of the police officers attending these incidents, suggesting that the issue appears to be the “shortage of police personnel”. Calling for more policing to attempt to prevent the increasing number of burglaries and attempted burglaries throughout the constituency, Mrs. Barton said: “It appears there was significant delay before the PSNI attended the incidents, the difficulty with the reaction time would appear to be the shortage of police personnel. The police number in Northern Ireland is almost 1,000 full-time officers and over 2,000 part-time less than recommended by Patten in his review of policing.”

Commenting that the shortage of resources is having a “devastating impact” on the wider Northern Ireland community, Mrs. Barton added: “If there were more police officers there could be more preventative measures put in place and quicker response to criminal activities.”

“There certainly needs to be an urgent review of policing numbers and the management of police officers time and priorities,” she concluded.

Responding to these allegations in a statement to The Impartial Reporter, Superintendent Beatty said: “I am satisfied that all of these incidents of both attempted burglaries and burglaries were responded to within the agreed attendance times. In these cases, police often patrol the areas following the incident to both attempt to apprehend those involved in criminal activity, as well as capturing vital evidence to help bring those responsible to justice. Officers will then attend the location of the incident to gather further information for their investigation.”

He continued: “While we do not comment on operational policing matters, we have increased our local neighbourhood policing teams from two to seven, who will work closely with the local community and other key stakeholders to help keep people safe. Officers will continue with regular anti-burglary patrols and continue to appeal to everyone to report any suspicious activity to police.”

“We always welcome the opportunity to engage across various different platforms to help improve and enhance the service we deliver”.

Appealing to the public, Superintendent Beatty said: “Anyone with any information or who witnessed anything suspicious in the north Fermanagh area on Sunday, December 15 should contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1568 15/12/19. Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is anonymous and gives people the power to speak up”.