Muir – Paramilitary poster is a threat to the rule of law

Mayor of North Down Councillor Andrew Muir has expressed his concern about a poster from paramilitary organisations stating they will severely deal with perpetrators of crimes. Following a series of burglaries and robberies in the Kilcooley area of Bangor, the poster, in names of the UDA, UVF and Red Hand Commandos, encourages the public to pass information about these crimes to unnamed ‘community representatives’.

Councillor Andrew Muir said: “Whilst all crimes, including burglaries and robberies against the elderly are reprehensible, there is no place in our society for vigilante activity from illegal paramilitary organisations seeking to intimidate and control local communities.

“I condemn this attempt to undermine the rule of law without hesitation and hope all other civic leaders will join me in stating that the only people who should be investigating criminal activity and seeking to apprehend alleged offenders are the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

“I would urge the public to contact the Police or Crimestoppers with any information about any crime.”

ENDS