A cross-border operation targeting criminals believed to be behind "high value" burglaries took place in the South Armagh and Newry areas this week, the PSNI has said.
The "high visibility" operation involved vehicle checkpoints and number plate recognition technology, and saw over 300 vehicles stopped and checked.
A wanted man, aged in his 30s, was arrested and charged to court in relation to a number of alleged offences including "three counts of theft and grievous bodily harm", police say.
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A spokesperson for the PSNI said the operation took place on Wednesday.
"Working alongside our colleagues in An Garda Síochána, as part of the Joint Agency task Force (JATF), the high visibility operation involved a number of vehicle check points," the spokesperson said.
"Officers from Newry CID, Neighbourhood, Interceptor Team & Tactical Support Groups were involved in the patrols."
Adam Corner, neighbourhood inspector for South Armagh, said: “The aim of this operation, using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology was to target and potentially stop vehicles and individuals linked to criminality.
“Our focus was to target criminals we suspect who have been involved in a number of recent commercial and domestic burglaries where high-value items have been stolen, as well as those involved in various traffic and drug-related offences.
“Often we find with domestic burglaries in border areas, criminals target properties and commercial premises so that they can use the border as a quick getaway route into the South of Ireland in an attempt to evade the justice process."
He continued: “Burglaries in the Newry, Mourne and Down district have risen in the past three months, the aim of Wednesday’s operation was to attempt to thwart this activity and protect local communities.
“In total, over 20 trailers were stopped and checked, as well as over 300 cars and other vehicle types and there were numerous vehicle check points across the entire operation on both sides of the border."
The neighbourhood inspector added: “As a result of the operation, a 34-year-old man, who was wanted by police for cross border crime, was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including three counts of theft and grievous bodily harm. He has since been charged to court and was due to appear at Newry Magistrates Court on Thursday, 29th June 2023.
“A number of persons will also be reported to the Public Prosecution Service for offences such as driving with no insurance.”
Inspector Corner continued: “Co-operating with An Garda Síochána, we will continue our ongoing effort to prevent cross-border crime and disrupt criminals and organised crime gangs who seek to target our communities.
“This is the first of many operations that we will be doing alongside our colleagues in An Garda Síochána and you can expect to see us out and about conducting vehicle check points over the next while.
“We recognise the harm caused to people as a result of such criminal activity and we are committed to working with our partners to keep everyone safe on both sides of the border."
He added: “I am once again asking for the support of the community and would encourage all householders to be vigilant around their homes and report any suspicious activity to police at the earliest opportunity.
“We also offer lots of information on home and personal security on our website at https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe.
"Your local crime prevention officer is also available to provide further assistance via our non-emergency number 101."
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