Sinn Féin representatives in south Armagh have called for a hard‑hitting crackdown on what they insist is an “organised criminal gang” behind a sharp rise in vehicle and cattle thefts across the area.
Slieve Gullion councillor Declan Murphy and local MLA Aoife Finnegan met senior PSNI officers to raise mounting community anger over the spike in crime, and to press for a reclassification of those responsible as an organised crime group.
Councillor Murphy said the pair’s message “was clear and reflective of the mood throughout our community”.
“Those responsible for these criminal activities must be categorised as an organised criminal gang, and additional resources must be deployed to shut them down,” he said.
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He insisted police efforts must go far beyond catching those physically stealing vehicles or livestock.
“The PSNI needs to focus its efforts on the full network of criminality — from those directly involved in theft, to individuals providing storage facilities for stolen vehicles, those transporting stolen property out of the area, and those laundering the proceeds of crime on behalf of these gangs,” he added.
MLA Aoife Finnegan described the engagement with senior officers as “constructive and focused”, but said community concern is growing.
“We conveyed the genuine concern within the community about this increase in what is clearly organised criminal activity,” she said.
“We reiterated the need for those responsible to be formally recognised as an organised criminal gang and for enhanced resources to be allocated to dismantle the network.
“These gangs, and all who aid and abet them, must be tackled head-on.”
The Sinn Féin MLA also issued a direct appeal to the public to play their part.
“We are asking the community for its full cooperation to ensure all criminal activity is reported to the authorities,” she said.
“The people of south Armagh deserve better, and families should not have to suffer at the hands of this criminal network.”
