White van men steal £20,000 from depot

Although details only emerged yesterday, it is believed the theft occurred on Friday evening, between 7pm and 9pm, when two teams of raiders used two white vans to ferry away their loot.

Strabane District Council said it is counting the cost of the break-in and that over 20,000 worth of tools were stolen in the two-hour raid.

The council’s chairman, Councillor Kieran McGuire said: “We estimate that over 20,000 worth of equipment has been stolen. Landscaping equipment, generators, welders, vehicle maintenance equipment, power tools and other essential equipment were stolen from the depot stores in broad daylight.

“Teams of men in two white vans broke into the back of the Council offices and forced entry into the stores so that they could steal tools required by our staff used in the maintenance and upkeep of the public areas in Strabane District. Unfortunately the replacement costs for this equipment will have to be sourced from other budgets. This is a crime against the ratepayers and citizens of Strabane District Council.”

The Chief Executive of Strabane District Council, Philip Faithfull added: “This is a particularly worrying incident. Both teams brazenly carried out this act during daylight hours.

“They were an organised group who dressed in the Council’s high visibility vests which were in the yard and were seen to be at the back and the front of the Council offices. I would urge anyone with any information to contact the police on 0845 600 8000. This is a crime against the citizens of Strabane District and we want the perpetrators caught.”