Rural areas targeted for break-ins

The warning comes after an upsurge in the number of break-ins in Derrymacash and Derrytrasna.

"There's been an increase in incidents involving opportunist thieves reported to me in the Derrytrasna and Derrymacash areas," said local councillor Mary McAlinden.

"In one instance they went into a man's house while he was out the back having a smoke. He came back into the house and walked in on them and they fled."

Mrs McAlinden continued: "The times have changed and we can no longer afford to be complacent.

"It's a case of people being vigilant and reporting anything they see to police. It's very important that we're all good neighbours and watch out for each other.

"If people feel they need advice they can speak to the council's community safety officer of a crime prevention officer from the PSNI."