Police say a total of eight cars have been reported under “theft or unauthorised taking of vehicles” in the Slieve Gullion ward – which encompasses the south Armagh area – in a three month period – only one of which was recovered.
The figure was provided in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request lodged by Armagh I back in May 2026.
Information was sought after a spate of car and cattle thefts was reported in the South Armagh area, leading Sinn Féin MLA, Aoife Finnegan and Slieve Gullion Cllr Declan Murphy to call for a hard‑hitting crackdown on what they insist is an “organised criminal gang”.
In April, Ms Finnegan said the increase in the theft of high-range SUV and luxury vehicles by organised crime gangs was a “growing concern” in the area.
The FOI revealed that between January 1, 2026 and March 30, 2026 a total of eight cars within the ward were reported as stolen or taken without permission.
During the same timeframe police say they successfully recovered one vehicle and made a total of four arrests.
This publication also enquired as to whether or not any of the vehicles reported as stolen were believed to have been engaged in the use of further criminal activity after being taken.
No information was held by the PSNI in this regard.
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon and Newry, Mourne and Down Policing & Community Safety Partnerships (PCSP) often provide crime prevention schemes for local residents whereby you can benefit from home safety equipment and advice for improving the safety of neighbourhoods and communities.
Many of their schemes can assist with helping to prevent thefts of this nature.
To get in contact with your local PCSP here.
