Thefts put lives at risk

A spokesman for the Lough Neagh Rescue Service warned it was only a matter of time before lives were lost.

Thieves broke into the council’s cabin at the marina on several occasions and stole equipment vital to the operation of the Rescue Service.

Items taken included a spotlight used to search for survivors at night and a hand-held VHF radio which allowed the boat to maintain contact with the shore.

Paddy Prunty, cox of the rescue launch, said: “If this keeps happening we will not be able to operate. As it is, our service is less effective since we lost this equipment.

“We can’t keep replacing these things ourselves, just to have them stolen again. Sooner or later it’s going to cost a life.”