Detectives investigating a series of recent thefts in the Bessbrook and Newry areas are appealing for information and witnesses.

Detective Sergeant Best said: “We received a report on Tuesday, 4th April of a burglary at a commercial premises at a business park on the Craigmore Road, during which an office window was smashed and entered.

“A report was also received of an attempted theft of a number of vehicles from the same premises. Damage was caused to the cars.

“We are also investigating a report of aggravated vehicle taking of a van from the same premises that was later set on fire. A number of shipping containers were also entered a short time later on the Craigmore Road.

“A further report was also received of an attempted theft of a vehicle from a commercial premises on Craigmore Road and an attempted burglary.

“We are also linking these incidents to a further theft of a vehicle in the High Street area of Newry on the same morning.  It was later found abandoned in St Clares Avenue.

“We believe all of these incidents occurred sometime between 3am and 10am on Tuesday, 4th April.

“As part of our investigation we arrested two men aged 25 and 18 on suspicion of a number of offences, as well as a 16-year-old boy.

“They have since been released on bail to allow for further enquiries as part of the investigation.

“Our enquiries are continuing into these thefts and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area during this timeframe or any suspicious vehicles travelling in the area, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 194 of 04/04/23.”

You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/