Northern Ireland

Second firm on 'IRA' death threat list targeted last month

Craven Recovery NI Ltd in Newry has ended a contract to carry out work on behalf of the PSNI
Craven Recovery NI Ltd in Newry has ended a contract to carry out work on behalf of the PSNI Craven Recovery NI Ltd in Newry has ended a contract to carry out work on behalf of the PSNI

A vehicle recovery firm targeted in an arson attack last month has pulled out of a contract to work for the PSNI after a death threat from dissident republicans.

Newry based Craven Recover NI Ltd cancelled its contract to recover vehicles for the PSNI hours after the ‘IRA’ threatened to kill the directors of 11 recovery firms working for police.

The death threats came as the organisation said it planted an incendiary device at one of the companies named last weekend.

Up to six vehicles and a building were damaged at Creighton’s Garage in the Finaghy area of south Belfast during the attack in the early hours of Saturday morning.

However, the Irish News has learned that a second firm, Co Down based Craven Recovery NI Ltd, was also targeted last month.

Six vehicles stored in a garage were destroyed during the blaze, which the Fire Service last night said was deliberate.

It is understood the building had to be totally demolished.

A spokesman for the PSNI said that as part of its investigation into the threats “one line of enquiry is an arson attack on another business premises last month”.

However, a spokesman refused to reveal details of where the attack took place on security grounds.

It is understood the owners of other recovery firms are also considering what to do.

A businessman named on the threat list, who is too frightened to be identified, last night said “I don’t know what way to turn”.

“We keep ourselves to ourselves,” he said.

“I don’t know what to do, we never had a problem with nobody.

“Of course I’m worried about it

“Unfortunately it has happened and we don’t know why it has happened and we will have to wait and see.”

It is understood the PSNI uses an English based firm to handle the removal of vehicles.

It in turn allocates jobs to local operators.

Vehicle recovery firms support the police in removing cars used in serious crime, but also recovering stolen and abandoned cars.

Using a recognised codeword, the ‘IRA’ - which is commonly referred to as the 'New IRA' - named 11 vehicle recovery firms it claims carry out work for the police across the north.

The ‘IRA’ has said that staff members at each of the firms “who partake in this type of work are also under immediate threat”.

The recovery firms were also warned not to enter republican districts.

Politicians have condemned the threats.

Sinn Féin Policing Board member Gerry Kelly called for the threat to be lifted.

“The people issuing these threats are clearly not interested in public safety or public services,” he said.

“They have nothing to offer but threats and intimidation.

DUP board member Keith Buchanan condemned the threats.

“These contractors work hard to provide a service and jobs,” he said.

“The intimidation of honest, hard working men and women is completely wrong and must be condemned."

Alliance Justice spokesman Stewart Dickson also called for the threats to be removed.

“There is no place for any paramilitarism in our society, no matter what organisation,” he said.

SDLP Policing Board member Dolores Kelly has also condemned the threats.