Business owners in isolated areas urged to be vigilant

Irish Rural Link is calling on business owners in isolated areas across the North West to be extra vigilant against the risk of intruders.

Spokesperson Sean O’Leary said there is a rise in the number of both businesses and homeowners in rural areas being targeted by burglars.

His comments come in the wake of an armed raid in Sligo yesterday, whereby the elderly owner of a pub was beaten with a bat when three masked man broke into the premises in Collooney early yesterday evening.

Mr O’Leary said the decrease in the number of Gardai and the closing of a number of rural stations means there is a need for community policing.