Police in Fermanagh are investigating the theft of high-value parts from three lorries in the Newtownbutler area, just across the border from Clones, and say they are looking at possible links to similar incidents in County Monaghan. Officers were called on Monday, 12 October, after the three lorries, parked in the Magheraveely Road area, were found damaged and stripped of parts.

The Impartial Reporter, carrying the PSNI appeal, said police enquiries and CCTV footage have identified a white van seen in the area, which officers believe is connected to the incident. No description of the parts taken or their value has been published beyond police describing them as high value.

Cross-border enquiries

The PSNI said it is aware of similar incidents in Monaghan which are being investigated by An Garda Síochána, and that officers are working with their counterparts south of the border to establish whether the cases are linked. Police have not said which Monaghan incidents they mean or when they happened.

Lorry owners left with damaged vehicles face the cost and inconvenience of repairs as well as time off the road, the police statement noted. For hauliers, a truck out of action can mean lost work on top of the repair bill.

Earlier thefts in north Monaghan

Thefts of parts from heavy goods vehicles are not new in the county. In May of this year, Gardaí told Northern Sound they had received reports of parts being stolen from three Scania articulated tractor units in Clontibret, sometime between 5pm on 19 May and 4.30am the next morning. Gardaí were also investigating the theft of parts from a Volvo articulated tractor unit at Lisdrungormal, between 10pm on 20 May and 7am the following day. At the time, a Garda spokesperson said investigations were ongoing.

There is nothing in the public statements to say whether those May incidents are among the cases now being compared with the Newtownbutler theft.

How to help

The PSNI is particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage, or anyone who noticed suspicious activity in border areas in recent days. Information can be given through the PSNI's online witness appeal form, quoting reference 546 12/10/26, or by calling 101. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone in Monaghan with information about thefts from lorries or other vehicles on this side of the border can contact Monaghan Garda Station on 047 77200 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Winter security advice

Separately this week, Sergeant Joe Glackin, Crime Prevention Officer for Cavan and Monaghan, told Northern Sound that burglaries traditionally rise as the evenings get darker. His advice to homeowners is to "Lock Up and Light Up": use timer switches on lights, lock all doors and windows, keep keys away from windows and letterboxes, use an alarm, and avoid keeping large amounts of cash at home.

For more on policing and road safety in the county, see our story on the County Monaghan Road Safety Action Plan and our Monaghan court roundup.