South Armagh residents are being urged to be extra vigilant after a series of burglaries and attempted break‑ins in the Killeavy and Jonesborough areas, with a stolen Audi Q5 later abandoned at Ballard.
SDLP MLA Justin McNulty says he has been contacted by worried locals following a number of incidents in recent weeks which, he says, appear linked to a roaming gang using stolen vehicles on both sides of the border.
In a social media warning, Mr McNulty said: “Residents in south Armagh have been in touch to alert everyone about young fellas going round the area in stolen vehicles robbing homes.
“A house near Clonlum Cottages was robbed and ransacked last week. Just a couple of days ago a gang were seen on a Ring camera at the cottage beside Killeavy Old Church, but thankfully in this case vigilant neighbours spooked them and they cleared off. Afterwards they then abandoned a stolen Audi Q5 up at Ballard.
“A couple of weeks ago the gang were raiding houses in Ravensdale.”
He urged people across south Armagh to tighten home security and look out for one another.
“Again, please share and be extra cautious about your and your neighbours’ homes’ security,” he added.
“I’ve passed this onto police so that they can be more visible and active in the area. If you notice any strange activity report to police immediately.”
The latest warning comes just weeks after Slieve Gullion Sinn Féin councillor Declan Murphy told Armagh I that so‑called cross‑border crime gangs are “motivated solely by greed and personal gain” and have “no place in south Armagh”.
He said at the time: “South Armagh is a resilient community, built on respect, hard work and neighbourliness. The overwhelming majority of people here reject criminality in all its forms.
“Our communities have worked hard to build a safe and positive future, and we will not allow it to be undermined by those who seek to profit through fear and criminality.
“The people of south Armagh stand together against these criminals and reject the violence, intimidation and lawlessness they bring.”
Cllr Murphy said the impact of such activity on local families and businesses was “devastating”, creating fear and leaving people “feeling vulnerable in their own homes and communities”.
He stressed that tackling organised crime required “a united community response” alongside properly resourced policing, and urged anyone with information on those responsible to contact the PSNI immediately.
Anyone noticing suspicious activity, unfamiliar vehicles or attempts to access property is asked to report it to police straight away, and to share any CCTV, dash‑cam or doorbell footage that may assist investigations.
