Donegal Senator Niall Blaney is calling for an increased Garda and PSNI presence to combat cross-border crime.
The Fianna Fail politician says the theft of an Audi Q7 in Strabane which was later found at Lough Hill Bog near Ballybofey stripped of its engine, wheels and other parts is a wake-up call that had to be answered.
He said “Whoever did this knew what they were doing. It was a despicable crime. The Donegal border is open, and that’s the way it should be, but it should not be used for criminal purposes.
“As a society, we have to counter the threat that’s posed by organised criminal gangs. I know the Gardaí and the PSNI have good working relations, but more needs to be done. This latest crime is a wake-up call that demands an effective response.
“I would like to see an increased presence of Gardaí and the PSNI. Criminals must know their activities won’t be tolerated. We need an increase in the number of Gardaí in the county, matched by a similar increase in PSNI officer numbers on the northern side.”
The Fianna Fail European Election candidate said more Gardai on our streets is a must to deter criminals.
He added “High visibility on our roads will help. Then, when criminals are convicted, we must see realistic sentences handed down by our Courts. They must be deterred from carrying out cross-border crime that causes financial hardship and great upset to victims.”
