Gardaí assisting PSNI after border burglary stand-off
Cross-Border burglary investigation intensifies
A cross-border burglary investigation has intensified with Gardaí understood to have joined efforts to trace a vehicle stolen in rural Fermanagh in the early hours of this morning.
The theft is being examined for a possible link to one of several alleged suspects who fled following a dramatic stand-off during an attempted burglary at a house in the Newtownbutler area on Tuesday afternoon, November 10.
Two men and a young female fled, or attempted to flee, after being confronted by members of the public at a property in the Church Lane housing estate.
Investigators are now understood to be exploring the possibility that one of those involved, believed to be a male, spent the night hiding in a shed in the locality before stealing the vehicle, Wednesday, November 11.
The developing investigation centres on a series of reported break-ins and attempted burglaries, which have occurred across south Fermanagh since the turn of the month, including incidents at Camphill Park and Landbrock Road in Newtownbutler, as well as the Knocks Road area of Lisnaskea.
The first occurred between 4pm and 6pm on Sunday, November 8, when intruders reportedly forced their way into properties in Newtownbutler, making off with sum of cash and jewellery.
A further incident was reported at approximately 4:40pm on Tuesday, November 10, when a number of individuals allegedly entered a property on Church Lane through a rear door.
Their presence though was discovered by members of the public, triggering a tense confrontation, footage of which was subsequently shared on social media, as those alleged to be involved attempted to escape before police could locate them.
A white BMW 1 Series, believed to be connected to said incidents, that was blocked off by locals from exiting the estate, was later seized at the scene by the PSNI and is now understood to be undergoing forensic examination.
Detectives are investigating whether the Church Lane incident is connected to the earlier burglaries in Newtownbutler and the attempted break-in in Lisnaskea, by appealing to anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the affected areas or who may have captured relevant footage to come forward.
CCTV, dash-cam recordings and information about unusual vehicles or individuals seen in the vicinity are also being sought.
Since Tuesday's incident residents in the Newtownbutler area have been urged to remain vigilant and ensure that their homes, vehicles and other property are properly secured.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSNI on 101, quoting reference number 1074 10/11/26.
Information can also be submitted online at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Meanwhile, Gardaí in Cavan and Monaghan are understood to be assisting with efforts to trace the newly stolen vehicle.
They are also undertaking separate investigations into a spate of burglaries reported across the two counties in recent weeks.
In Corravoggy, Cootehill, a newly installed heating system and several rolls of insulation were stolen from a new-build property sometime between 7pm on October 7 and 8am on October 19. The theft was discovered by workmen attending the site.
Gardaí have also renewed their appeal for information following a burglary at a property in Carrickfern, Cavan, between 6pm on October 3 and 12.30pm the following day.
The homeowners returned to find their property ransacked after intruders forced entry through a rear door. A substantial sum of money was stolen.
A further burglary was reported at a property on Church Lane, Bailieboro, between 6.55pm and 8.30pm on October 24.
Intruders gained entry through an open rear window and stole a small amount of cash.
The latest in Monaghan, in the Aghafin area of Clones, which occurred between 11pm on Sunday, October 4 and 8:30am on Monday, October 5, saw a Honda TRX 520 quad stolen.