A FILLING station in south Armagh was targeted in a ram raid during a spate of burglaries.
The shutters and shop front of McKevitt's on Dublin Road in Killeen were significantly damaged after apparently being rammed by a vehicle.
Two garages on the nearby Forkhill Road outside Newry and an office building at Edward Street in the city were also targeted.
Items including vehicles, money and tobacco products were reported stolen after entry was gained at each location.
The burglaries happened yesterday sometime between 2am and 7.15am.
It is believed the culprits may have fled across the border.
Sinn Féin councillor Roisin Mulgrew condemned the burglaries and urged anyone with information to contact police.
"You work at business seven days a week, 18 hours a day serving your community and your community appreciates that, but this is the scene that greeted our community this morning at McKevitt's filling station," she said.
"I appeal to anyone with information to contact PSNI immediately and I extend the support of our community to the McKevitt family and their staff."
Speaking of the other incidents, she added: "This wanton destruction and criminality has no place in our society.
"Businesses are facing unprecedented hardship at the minute and have worked with and supported their communities throughout the pandemic.
"There can be no excuses made for those responsible."
McKevitt's filling station remained closed for a period yesterday before reopening around lunchtime.
SDLP councillor Michael Savage spoke with the McKevitt family yesterday morning.
He said on Facebook: "I've spoken with a member of the McKevitt family this morning to offer the community's support at this time following a ram raid at their Dublin Road premises in the early hours of this morning.
"A family working hard to create employment now face a major repair and clean up operation following this wanton destruction and theft.
"I appeal to anyone with any information that may help catch the culprits to contact the PSNI on 101."
Detective Inspector Darren Handley said police were "at a very early stage of our investigation".
He appealed for anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity or anyone with information to phone detectives on 101, quoting reference 135 27/10/20, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Reports can also be submitted online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.