Other News In Brief

Appeal Following Large-Scale Copper Theft In Dungannon

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following the theft of a large quantity of copper telephone cable in Dungannon in the early hours of Tuesday, 28th May.

Neighbourhood policing Inspector McNeill said: "We received a report that alarms had been activated at around 1.15am in the vicinity of the Clonfeacle Road, between Benburb and Blackwatertown.

"When officers attended, they located approximately a quarter mile of cable in a nearby road.

"The damage which has been caused will cost a substantial amount of money to correct, and left over 700 members of our community without telephone and broadband service.

"We would ask anyone who may have been in the area and noticed anything suspicious, particularly those who may have dashcam or other footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 70 of 28/05/24."

Inspector McNeill continued: "We would also like to remind those involved of the risks in this type of behaviour, not only to themselves but also to members of the public.

"Theft of metal or cable may lead to flooding, risk of electric shock and loss of emergency phone services.

"The local community can help us. If you live near an empty house, a church, a school, or communications hub, please contact the police if you see someone you don't think should be there.

"If it's an unusual time for contractors to be working, ask yourself - do they seem to be from a legitimate company? 

"If any behaviour rouses your suspicions - contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also make a report online at psni.police.uk/report."

Major Belfast Roadworks To Begin On 03 June

A £240,000 programme of carriageway and resurfacing works have been announced for the Belmount Church Road in Belfast, due to begin on Monday, 03 June.

This resurfacing scheme will resurface the full length of the road between the Upper Newtownards Road to the Belmont Road and will greatly improve the strength and surface quality on this section of the road network to the benefit of all road users who travel through the area.

To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement a daily road closure (Monday to Friday) between 08.00 am and 5.00 pm. Access and egress for residents and businesses will be maintained while additional information signage for businesses in the area will be erected.

The Department for Infrastructure has carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements to minimise any inconvenience to the public, however motorists should expect delays and allow additional time when planning any journey.

Subject to favourable weather conditions the scheme is expected to be completed by 8 August, however the Department will keep the public informed of any changes.

Belfast Estate Agent Fined Over £5,000 For Failure To Protect Tenancy Deposits

Belfast City Council has welcomed the successful conviction of a residential estate agent at Belfast Magistrates’ Court.

Bowden Property Group Ltd was fined £4000 and £1470 for failing to protect two tenancy deposits of £1200 and £490.

The company failed to attend court and was convicted in their absence for failing to secure the tenancy deposits.

The Private Tenancy (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 Article 5B requires landlord/agent (the person who receives the deposit) to secure the deposit within 28 days of receipt. Fixed Penalty Notices had been issued for £3600 and £1470 but were not paid, therefore court action resulted.