Copper and lead, which according to PSNI figures accounted for 56 incidents over the past 12 months in Fermanagh, were the most sought-after items by thieves.

At last week's Fermanagh District Partnership meeting, Irvinestown member, Seamus McCusker commended Chief Inspector Alywin Barton and his officers on what he described as a good report, theft apart.

"Theft", he said, "is the one area in the Local Policing Plan where targets are not being met. They are up a small percentage, 1.8, or nine crimes. I note that shoplifting is down 23 and vehicle crime is down 14. The increase is in the area of, all other thefts'".

Mr McCusker then queried the most common thefts among, 'all other thefts', and what was being done to reduce the level across Fermanagh.

Responding, Mr Barton explained that the theft of copper and lead, the two most common items, was part of a worldwide trend and demand-driven. Other thefts, he said, could be broken down to cash, mobile phones, handbags (mainly from pubs and shops) together with theft from boats and removal of boat engines, trailers and tools.

He commented: "We have an ongoing programme via the Crime Prevention Officer through regular Press releases and leaflet drops. Through crime analysts, we identify hot spots and we then channel resources to prevent and disrupt activity".

Asked by Mannix Magee, also from Irvinestown, about the drop in arson offences, down by 22 over the year from the previous year, and about arson per se Chief Inspector Barton said there was no set trend for this particular crime.

"We had a total of 42 recorded incidents of arson until December, the largest group (9) for vehicles that had either been stolen or were set on fire. We also had incidents of arson ranging from the burning of trees, wheelie bins, fences and a very small number of houses and properties".