Vigilance requiredfollowing oil theftsacross Waterside

Local representative Nigel Gardiner said it was reported to the party that a group of three or four people dressed in dark clothing and gloves were also seen to be acting suspiciously in Irish Street last Wednesday (November 19).

He told the Sentinel: “In Irish Street one of the senior citizens’ houses was targeted and all the oil was removed and at the same time at a house in Lincoln Court an elderly resident also had oil removed.

“You are well aware there has been an increase in burglaries in the Waterside area and equally on the cityside.

“Yesterday evening (Wednesday) I received a call and I went up around the areas in Irish Street. There were quite a lot of police there and give credit to the police.

“Information that was received was that there were three to four people dressed in dark clothing and gloves, which created concern.

“I spoke to the police and they have said it’s probably organised crime.

“Now obviously, with the lack of police resources: do they have the manpower to actually go in and start bringing back community policing and instilling confidence in our city?”