Cattle stolen from farm

Some time between Monday, August 29, and Saturday, September 3, an 18-month-old black and white Friesian bullock, a four-year-old creamy brown charolais cow and an 18-month-old charolais bullock were taken.

A red trailer was also taken during the theft, which happened on the Dunkirk Road in Waringstown.

The burglary was the latest in a series of incidents in rural areas in the Borough.

Some time between Wednesday, August 31, and Friday, September 2, a John Deer lawnmower and brown wooden trailer with green frame was taken from a shed on the Moss Road, Waringstown.

In a later incident, which happened on Sunday night, a red Honda 300 quad, a small car trailer and a power washer were taken from a shed on the Castor Bay Road.

UUP MLA Jo-Anne Dobson called on rural communities to “keep an eye out” for their neighbours.

“Sadly, this represents an ongoing increase in rural crime,” she said.

“In this latest incident, a trailer and cattle were taken. I have already spoken to the police about this.

“I would urge people living in rural areas to be extra vigilant and to keep an eye out for their neighbours.

“People should check their outbuildings on a regular basis and no one should hesitate in reporting any suspicious behaviour.”

A spokesperson for the PSNI called on people living in rural areas to “take extra steps” to secure their property.

“Fencing, hedges and walls should be robust and well maintained,” the spokesperson said.

“Restrict access to your yard - gates should be fixed and secured by a good locking mechanism which is shrouded against bolt cutter attacks.

“Illuminate the areas covered by CCTV. Lighting can be an extremely effective tool to deter and detect a potential thief.

“Consider using one building with enhanced security features, close to the dwelling, for storage of tools and smaller machinery items.”

The spokesperson continued: “Property marking is an effective way of identifying your own property.

“Keep a register of your tools and machinery, noting make, serial number, colour and any unusual feature.

“The register should have the following headings - description, property mark, location, serial number and value.”

Police are appealing to anyone who has information in relation to any of the incidents to contact them in Lurgan on 0845 600 8000.