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20 Dec 2025

'Organised network’ may be behind Dungiven break-ins

Tools were stolen from a van in the Glenroe Park area while a number of attempted break-ins have also been reported in recent days

'Organised network’ may be behind Dungiven break-ins

CCTV footage of a masked individual who was spotted in the O'Cathan's Place area of the town in the early hours of Friday.

Reporter:

Orla Mullan

20 Dec 2025 7:00 PM

Email:

orla.mullan@iconicnews.ie

A Dungiven councillor has called for vigilance following a number of attempted and successful break-ins in the Dungiven area in recent days. 
It’s understood thousands of pounds worth of tools were stolen from a van in the Glenroe Park area of Dungiven in the early hours of Friday morning (December 19).
CCTV footage captured from properties in the O’Cathan’s Place area of the town show an individual wearing a mask walking through gardens in the estate. 
It’s believed a car parked at the bus stop on Chapel Road was also targeted. 
The incidents come two weeks after two men were caught on CCTV attempting to steal money from donation boxes in St Patrick’s Church, Dungiven. 
Sinn Féin Councillor Sean McGlinchey said he believes an ‘organised network’ is behind the incidents.  
“People will be aware that there has been a series of attempted and successful break-ins over the past few days in Dungiven. This has ranged from the chapel to vans and a car parked at the bus stop. This appears to be an organised network who have targeted the town this week,” he said. 

“I am appealing to everyone to come together and keep an eye out for each other by setting up WhatsApp groups if you’re living in a housing estate so that people can feed in any suspicious activity.”
Councillor McGlinchey has urged people to be vigilant in the wake of the incidents. 

“I am also appealing to any workmen to take your tools out of your vans and to everyone to make sure your vehicles are locked with no valuables inside - no matter whether they’re parked near your house or parked on the Main St or anywhere around the town. Please also lock your doors at home and please look out for any elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may be feeling scared with this activity happening.”

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