Burglaries on the up across the district

Nine more burglaries took place between April and June this year, as compared to the 19 incidents for the same period last year.

The past year has seen a spate of attacks on vacant properties, some of which have been targeted for copper. Just last month the Leader reported on a number of incidents of burglary over a four-day period in Rathfriland and Dromore.

Chief Inspector Ken Mawhinney, Area Commander for Banbridge and Armagh, said the problem is district-wide.

“These are happening right across the district,” he said. “Although rural areas have slightly more at this time of year. It is virtually impossible to get a definite hotspot.”

The Chief Inspector confirmed that Dromore has had slightly more burglaries of late.

A 21-year-old male, arrested last Thursday, was subsequently charged with five counts of burglary and is expected to appear at Newry Magistrates Court on the morning of Wednesday September 29.

It is understood the charges relate to a number of incidents in the area and as is normal procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the PPS.