Police in Newry are reminding the rural and agricultural community to take steps to protect their cattle and report any suspicious activity at the earliest opportunity.
The reminder comes following two spearate incidents where cattle have been stolen from fields.
In the first incident six cattle - two cows, three calves and a bull - were taken from land on Newtown Road, Camlough between 7pm on Tuesday, 7 May and 11 am on Wednesday, 8 May. In the second incident the theft of three black Aberdeen Angus cows from land on Ballintemple Road, Killeavy, was reported on Friday, 31 May.
Police are appealing to anyone with information in relation to the thefts to contact them on 0845 600 8000.
Police are also asking for the support of the local community to help apprehend those responsible for these crimes.
Constable McComb, Newry Response, said: "We cannot work in isolation, we need the help of the public. If you see lorries or trailers loading or moving cattle or sheep at unusual times, particularly at night, please let police know. We would ask people to take a friendly interest in who owns livestock in a field or on a mountain and if you see strangers around, it should raise suspicions.
"People affected by rural crime not only suffer emotional and financial distress but when livestock, key equipment or machinery is stolen, it has a direct impact on their ability to carry out their business. Tackling this crime is a priority for us. We have launched Farmwatch across Newry and Mourne and the rest of E District and I would encourage all farmers to sign up to the scheme. You can do this by contacting your local neighbourhood policing team or crime prevention officer.
"It is important that farmers and rural dwellers adopt adequate crime prevention measures to minimise the chance of becoming a victim of crime. For example, change your routine - don't check on livestock at the same time every day and always report anything untoward to police who can act on it immediately."
Police can be contacted on 0845 600 8000 or in an emergency dial 999.
Police in Bessbrook have charged a 26 year old man with drugs offences following the discovery of a cannabis factory.
The 26 year old was charged with being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, cultivating cannabis and possession of Class B drugs and will appear before Newry Magistrates' Court on 3 July, 2013.
As is normal procedure the charges wil be reviewed by the PPS.
The charges relate to the discovery of a cannabis factory ay Charlemont Square East on Friday, 7 June.
Police in Newry recovered a quantity of illegal drugs following a report of suspicious activity.
At 11.19pm on Friday, 14 June, police received a report of paving slabs being removed from Craigmore Road. Officers attended and located two males with a van. During a search of the vehicle officers found a quantity of cannabis and pills.
A 37 year old man was arrested for possession of Class B and C drugs and possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply. He was later released on bail pending further enquiries.
Police in Newry arrested two males following a burglary at licensed premises on Francis Street.
Around 7am on Sunday, 16 June, officers on patrol discovered that entry had been forced to the premises. Police liaised with cctv and two males were arrested shortly after in the New Street area.
A 19 year old male was arrested on suspicion of burglary and a 20 year old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and obstructing police. Both were later released on bail pending further enquiries.
Police in Newry are appealing for information following the theft of a handbag from business premises on Patrick Street.
Some time between 9am and 1pm on Monday, 17 June, entry was gained to the rear of funeral service premises and a handbag taken. A sum of cash was taken from the handbag.
Police are appealing to anyone who has information in relation to the theft to contact them in Newry on 0845 600 8000. If you prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A 21 year old man was arrested in Edward Street on Friday night 21st of June and a few hours later a 27 year old man was also detained getting out of a vehicle that had been reported stolen.
Police on patrol in Newry on Friday night stopped a male in the Edward Street area around 7.30pm. Officers seized two bags of white powder and the 21 year old male was arrested for possession of Class A drugs.
In a separate incident Police in Newry arrested a 27 year old male after locating a stolen car. Officers on patrol observed a balck Peugeot, reported as stolen, at Merchants Quay at 9.55pm on Friday, 21 June. A male was observed exiting the vehicle and officers approached him. The key to the vehicle was recovered from the male and he was arrested for a number of offences. A quantity of diazepam and cannabis was also recovered from the car.
Both were later released on bail pending further enquiries.
Detectives in Newry are appealing for information following a suspected pipe bomb type attack in the Chequer Court area.
It is believed that an explosion was heard in an alleyway in the Chequer Court area sometime between 12.30am and 1am on the morning of Sunday 30 June. Slight damage was caused to a wooden fence. No-one was injured in the incident.
The incident was reported to police at approximately 5.30pm on Sunday 30 June. They then attended the area and the remains of the device was taken away for further examination.
Anyone who noticed any suspicious behaviour in the Chequer Court area on the evening of Saturday 29 June is asked to contact CID in Ardmore Police Station on 0845 600 8000. Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police in Newry are appealing for information following a burglary in the Warren Hill area.
At 4.51pm on Monday, 22nd July, it was reported that a female had entered a house and rifled through a number of drawers. The female occupant was in the house at the time and, when she became aware of the intruder, asked what her business was. The female claimed to be a carer before leaving the house. A handbag containing a sum of cash was taken.
The female is described as being around 20 years old with fair, shoulder length hair and of average build.
Police are appealing to anyone who noticed any activity around Warren Hill on the afternoon of 22 July or has information in relation to this incident to contact them on 0845 600 8000. If you prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
With the holiday season upon us and people making more use of their caravans, E District Crime Prevention Officers are advising anyone who owns or uses a caravan to take steps to protect their property and valuables.
Paula Crowe, Crime Prevention Officer for Armagh and Newry, said: “Caravans may be more vulnerable than houses but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your property secure.
“Many people are making the most of their caravans with the recent spell of good weather and when they do, they may take equipment like televisions, and games consoles with them.
"Caravan owners should take a few practical crime prevention steps to reduce your chances of being a victim of crime."
LOCK UP
Always close doors, windows and any skylights whenever you leave your caravan even if its only for a short time. Always lock your caravan and take the keys with you .
DON’T LEAVE ANYTHING VALUABLE ON DISPLAY
Take all your valuables with you when you leave the caravan or at least put them away from sight.
LEAVE YOUR CURTAINS OPEN
Possible intruders can see there are no valuables lying about. Site security can also check out your caravan easily. Even open cupboard doors at the end of the season can help deter a thief.
USE AN ALARM
Have a reliable alarm fitted and turn it on when you leave your caravan .
USE SECURITY MARKINGS
Where possible, valuable items such as laptops and televisions should be marked with your postcode and house number using a UV marker. This helps police identify the owner of the recovered property.
IF YOU HAVE A SHED BESIDE YOUR CARAVAN
Keep your shed in good condition and fit a good close shackle padlock to the door. Valuables inside should also be marked with your postcode. Think about chaining larger items such as bicycles together when they are not being used- it is much more difficult for a thief to carry away lots of large heavy items.
GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS
Keep an eye on each others caravans when they are vacant. Don’t be afraid to report anything suspicious to the site manager or the PSNI immediately.
If you notice anything untoward in your caravan park, note down any important details such as a description or vehicle registration and contact police immediately on 999. Officers will follow up on your call and your prompt information could prevent a crime from occurring.
Anyone who would like further crime prevention advice on this or any other subject can contact their local crime prevention officer on 0845 600 8000.
Holiday home advice
Police in E District are reminding homeowners to be mindful of their home security especially if they are going on holiday or leaving their premises over night.
Householders can take sensible steps to protect their home and their belongings against thieves. In more than 50% of domestic burglaries reported to police, the criminal has gained entry to the property via an unlocked door or window. It is imperative therefore that people remember to close and lock windows and doors at night or when the house is unoccupied. Do not make it easy for the would-be burglar.
Consideration should also be given to installing a home security system or, where one is already fitted ensuring it is primed at night time or when you are away from home. Security lighting around the perimeter of your property can also act as a deterrent.
Remember to cancel milk or paper deliveries. It is also wise to keep valuables out of sight. A safe is a wise investment for securing precious items such as jewellery, credit cards or financial documents. Don't leave keys in plain view or in a door lock. Do not advertise the fact that you are leaving home and don't post details of your holiday on social media sites.
It is not just occupied houses that can be vulnerable - vacant properties or homes that are under refurbishment can also be susceptible to passing criminals. Thieves will make off with whatever they can get their hands on even if it means stripping the house of the copper piping. It is important for owners to make regular checks of their properties.
E District police officers will continue to address burglary and raise awareness of crime prevention however the community can also play a part by looking out for neighbours, reviewing household security, making sure that doors and windows are locked and by reporting any suspicious activity immediately to police.
If you require any further crime prevention advice, please contact your local crime prevention officer on 0845 600 8000.