Car Recovery Firms Targeted By 'New IRA'

Dissident republicans have issued threats against a number of car recovery firms that carry out work for the PSNI, it has emerged.

Two businesses have been targeted by the 'New IRA' in recent weeks, and others remain under threat, according to Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd.

It is understood the group claimed it planted devices at a company last week which exploded and damaged six vehicles, and named 11 vehicle recovery firms that do work for the police, as reported in the Irish News.

The group has also reportedly threatened the managing directors and staff of these companies, warning that anyone who partakes in such work may be in danger.

ACC Alan Todd described those behind the intimidation as "vile and reprehensible".

He said in a statement: "Faceless individuals threatening people's livelihoods and threatening services provided to the community, and without any explanation of what their basis for doing so or what authority they have to do so. In any civilised society, I think it's vile and reprehensible.

"They try to exert their influence by fear, by shooting young people in alleys, by forcing people from their homes and by issuing threats against legitimate business people delivering services to the benefit of communities."

Sinn Fein Policing Spokesperson Gerry Kelly has slammed the dissident republican threat.

"Vehicle recovery firms provide a crucial service to local communities so this threat is bizarre, it is reprehensible and it should be removed immediately," the north Belfast MLA said.

"If these firms are forced out of business, who is going to remove the vehicles used by death drivers to torture communities? Who is going to remove the uninsured, unsafe cars that present a real threat to public safety?

"The people issuing these threats are clearly not interested in public safety or public services. They have nothing to offer but threats and intimidation. They should lift this threat immediately and they should get off the backs of the community once and for all."



(JG/CM)