South Down SDLP MLA Seán Rogers spoke out following a spate of burglaries/thefts in the Castlewellan area.
Mr Rogers said: “I was deeply annoyed to hear of the break in at the Parochial House last week- the local clergy do an outstanding job delivering for the community of Castlewellan and the outlying areas so this has to be condemned by all.
“Then for cars to be broken into during Confirmation in the town a mere 48 hrs later is totally disgraceful. What makes this all the more sinister is that all of these incidents happened in broad day light.
“Castlewellan is a great town with outstanding community spirit which makes these crimes all the more out of keeping with the local ethos.
“I would urge anyone with any information to make contact with the PSNI – those responsible must be apprehended.”