The help of the public towards a reduction in the number of burglaries and, also, an improvement in the clearance rate were promoted at this month's meeting of the Fermanagh District Partnership by Chief Inspector Alywin Barton.

He was responding to DPP member, Hazel Hicks who referred to Fermanagh's relatively poor clearance rate for burglary which, at 4 crimes for every 90 offences was half last year's clearance rate.

Mr Barton acknowledged that the picture was as painted, although the reduced burglary rate target was being met.

Chief Inspector Barton explained there were two key aspects to clearing crimes such as burglary, namely intelligence and forensic opportunities.

He explained that one team of criminals, which was working along the Border, were under scrutiny from both the Gardai and the PSNI.

He went on: "While there is the potential for this clearance rate to rise a little, I cannot promise a significant increase unless there is a vast improvement in the amount of assistance provided by the public in passing on information on the culprits."