Call for action on thefts

That was the stark warning from local DUP Councillor Carla Lockhart in the wake of a further series of burglaries in the town and in the Magheralin area.

She has now called for an emergency meeting with police to discuss the issue of burglaries.

Cllr Lockhart said Magheralin has been a hotspot for burglaries in the past number of weeks and months.

According to a resident four burglaries happened in the Ballyeden development in the past month.

Speaking to the ‘MAIL’ Cllr Lockhart said: “This is the third week running in the papers that I have had to condemn this type of activity in Lurgan.

“It is totally unacceptable that people who just want to get on about their own life and business are being targeted in this way.

“Four burglaries in a small development in the Magheralin area is significant and needs appropriate police action.

“We need to see a more robust and visible police presence in the area and to that end I will be meeting with the police to discuss this.

“I was also speaking with a business owner in Lurgan just last week who informed me that four of his business premises had been the subject of theft in the past month. This is totally unacceptable and the PSNI need to get a handle on it and quickly before more vulnerable people fall victim of this crime.”

She concluded: “In discussions with the local PCSP Chair Alderman Robert Smith I have requested that an emergency meeting be convened to try and deal with this problem and to try and get more visible policing in the area and more resources to those who feel vulnerable in their own home and business.”

Responding to her comments, Chief Inspector Davy Beck said: “We share Councillor Lockhart’s concern around burglary and welcome an opportunity to work together to reduce burglary in the Craigavon area.

“The fact is that vigilance is the best weapon against burglary and the more we can raise awareness among local communities and encourage them to report suspicious activity and become involved in Neighbourhood Watch Schemes, the more opportunity we have to prevent and deter burglaries.

“We have been open and transparent about the challenges facing police with budget constraints and now, more than ever, it is of vital importance that local political representatives and communities work with us to address crime and protect the more vulnerable in our neighbourhoods.”