Robberies 'up significantly' in south Fermanagh

Rodney Edwards • Published 15 Feb 2012 13:56

POLICE say robberies are "up significantly" in the Rosslea and Lisnaskea areas as more and more thieves steal metal and copper. Though, they say their aims to reduce thefts and burglaries across the county are "pretty much on target".

Speaking at a meeting of the District Policing Partnership (DPP) Inspector Roy Robinson said there has been a significant decrease in burglaries in the area, but Chief Inspector Alywin Barton admitted that crime in rural areas is an "ongoing problem".

"That success is down to the fact that a number of local criminals have been given the book. However there is an emergence of trailers going missing, and metal theft is an ongoing problem. There are opportunists who want to make a quick pound," he said.

Chief Inspector Barton appealed to the public to consider anything out of the ordinary as "suspicious".

"It's good if we can get the phone call there and then, we have had success in the past".

Inspector Robinson went on to highlight the issue of fraud in the area and said it was important that people are aware of this. He made reference to a number of fraud cases that have occurred recently whereby tricksters have been trying to obtain personal information by phoning and e-mailing members of the public.

DPP Chairman Alex Baird said has noticed an increase in e-mails purporting to come from organisations: "Do not open the e-mails - do not respond to them would be my advice," he said.

Chief Inspector Barton added: "If it's too good to be true it probably is".

A member of the DPP, and Ulster Unionist Councillor, Harold Andrews asked: "Can criminals hack onto your computer? "Only if you give them permission to do so," advised Inspector Roy Robinson.

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