Murphy Backs Police Services’ Right To Pursue

“Both Police services should be given the power to pursue and arrest criminals irrespective which road they use to evade detection” says Armagh Councillor Declan Murphy.

Slieve Gullion area Sinn Féin Councillor Declan Murphy speaking after it was confirmed that three people had been arrested in South Armagh in relation to the ATM Robbery Incident in Dundalk, has said that both police services should be given the power to pursue and arrest criminals irrespective which road they use to evade detection. 

Cllr Declan Murphy says police forces north and south should be empowered to pursue criminals across the border.

Councillor Murphy said: ”I fully concur with my Party  colleague Ruairi OMurchu TD in the condemnation of the recent reprehensible attack on  Bank services in Dundalk. For many people, Bank ATMs  are the only way people can access money to pay for vital necessities, particularly during out of hours and to loose this resource causes further hardships in an already trying time.

“Three men have subsequently been arrested and two ATMs recovered in South Armagh early this (Saturday) morning. The machines were stolen from Dundalk. The suspects were pursued to the border by An Garda Siochana. PSNI officers were then able to establish their location and make the arrests. 

“ The cross border nature and quick response by An Garda Sciochanna and the PSNI has to be commended.

“The criminal gangs involved in this kind of activity are not only an attacking our community, but allowing elements within society to continue with their campaign of demonising our area.

“Criminals don’t recognise borders, and nor should we. Both Police services should be given the power to pursue and arrest criminals irrespective which road they use to evade detection” added Cllr Murphy.

Police update: 7pm Sunday 5th April 2020.
Two men aged 24 and 29 have been charged with handling property stolen in the Republic of Ireland and possession of criminal property.

They are due to appear at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Monday, 6th April).

As is usual procedure the charges will be reviewed by the PPS.

(The two men were arrested in the Crossmaglen area in the early hours of Saturday morning following the report of an ATM theft in Dundalk.)