‘Lack of PSNI action against South Armagh criminal gangs affecting public confidence’ – Murphy

Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has said the lack of PSNI action against criminal gangs in south Armagh is impacting on public confidence in policing.

Speaking to Newry Times, Murphy said, “A Sinn Féin delegation made up of Megan Fearon, Gerry Kelly and myself met with senior PSNI officers including the Chief Constable, Assistant Chief Constable and the local area commander to discuss our serious concerns about the lack of PSNI action against criminal gangs.

“In the past 18 months there has been a notable increase in vehicle and machinery theft and other criminal activity on both sides of the border.

“There have also been ongoing intimidation and threats against a wide range of individuals with 10 people being advised recently by the PSNI that their lives are in danger.

“This includes Frank McCabe, the father of the young man seriously wounded in a bomb attack last year, carried out by a gang who had previously shot and beaten another local man,” he continued.

“There is a growing frustration within the community in south Armagh about the PSNI’s inability or unwillingness to combat the activities of these criminals. In particular people are angry over the fact that progress has not been made over the attempted murder of Frank McCabe Jnr.

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“The apparent impunity with which these criminals can act is risking public confidence in the PSNI in the area. We need to see action from the PSNI to tackle these criminals now.

Murphy added, “The Chief Constable has agreed that the PSNI will meet with the McCabe family to update them on the investigation into the attempted murder of their son and we will continue to engage with the police at a senior level to ensure there is an adequate response to the activities of these criminal gangs.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Jul 25 2016. Filed under Community, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry