Warning as quad and calves stolen

The bike was taken from the Darkley Road area of Armagh while the calves, worth £300 each, were stolen from farms on the Markethill Road, Collone, and the Acton Road area of Poyntzpass.

Newry & Armagh DUP Assembly candidate William Irwin has urged people to be vigilant and said there seems to be a pattern emerging where thieves are targeting younger calves that are easy to move and transport.

He added, “I would urge our farming and rural community to remain vigilant and of course where possible ensure that machinery is well secured when not in use.

“From experience on my own farm, it is very difficult to totally lock down a farm in terms of making everything 100 per cent theft proof.”

Inspector Leslie Badger said, “We would reiterate Mr Irwin’s comments about being vigilant and taking appropriate crime prevention measures. As a police service, we remain fully committed to reducing rural and agricultural crime.”