Three men remained in custody late on Friday afternoon suspected of being involved in a theft spree in Newry, including grabbing baggage from a stopped train in Newry.
Translink confirmed the theft of the luggage off the 11.20am Enterprise from Dublin on Thursday when passengers watched as the thieves brazenly grabbed bags from the rack and jumped off the train before the doors closed.
When questioned about security at Newry Station, a Translink spokesperson said: “The safety of our passengers and staff is always our top priority.”
The company added: “We are aware of this incident and are assisting the PSNI with their investigation including provision of CCTV.” Translink did not immediately reply when asked whether this type of theft had happened before.
Passengers watched as the thieves grabbed bags, including at least one holding a Christmas present, from the packed cross border Enterprise as the train was stopped at Newry station.
The three men are believed to have followed passengers on to the train at the stop, stood at the head of the carriage, then grabbed several bags from a rack as the whistle blew. Before the doors closed, they jumped off and fled.
After running through the station, they are believed to have even jumped on a bus for the two mile journey into the city centre.
It has emerged the theft of the bags is suspected of being part of a wider spree by the three as police continue to investigate Thursday afternoon’s events.
Shops in two parts of the city centre reported thefts, while police seized a Class C controlled drug when they finally arrested three men.
Police issued an appeal for information following the reports of a number of thefts.
“At approximately 1pm, it was reported that a number of males had stolen items belonging to passengers on a train en route to Newry Station,” police said.
“A short time later, at approximately 1.45pm police then received a further report that items worth approximately £1000 had been stolen from a retailer in the Quay’s shopping complex, also by a number of men.
“Following patrols in the area, officers located the suspects in the Hill Street area and identified a number of additional stolen items. Checks with local businesses resulted that there had been a further theft from a shop in Merchant’s Quay worth approximately £350.
“The men, aged 21, 23 and 30 were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including numerous thefts, going equipped for theft, criminal damage and possession of a Class C controlled drug.
“They remain in custody at this time, assisting with enquiries.
“Enquiries are ongoing, and officers are appealing to anyone who may have any information which may assist them, to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 885 of 21/12/23.”
Victims of the theft of the baggage from the trains were visibly upset, including German visitors and a woman who lost a Christmas present held in her bag.
But a Translink employee was praised for being kind and helpful, re-assuring those who lost their baggage. He told the passengers the three would have been caught on CCTV and that the PSNI had been informed.