Gardaí assisting PSNI after stolen car found stripped of its parts in Donegal

An Garda Síochána are assisting the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) after a vehicle was stolen in Strabane and driven over the border to Donegal where it was located, 18 miles away, stripped of its parts.

The theft came to light after a burglary was reported at a house in Bracken Gate in Strabane on Sunday morning, March 24.

The house had been entered and the keys to a white Audi Q7, registration DG7 0BZO, were taken sometime between 12:30am and 1am. Working with An Garda Síochána, the vehicle was later found on a remote forest road, near Lough Hill Bog, in the vicinity of Ballybofey. The Audi had been stripped of its engine, wheels, doors, bonnet and boot.

"An Garda Síochána are assisting the Police Service of Northern Ireland with this matter," a spokesperson told DonegalLive. "Investigations are ongoing."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are appealing for information and witnesses.

"This was a well-planned and organised theft and we're appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in Bracken Gate between the times mentioned to get in touch,” Detective Sergeant Gingell from Strand Road Criminal Investigation Division said.

“We're also appealing for sightings of the Audi Q7 or any dash cam footage from the Strabane/Lifford area around 1am on Sunday. We also want to hear from anyone who is offered parts for sale, similar to those stripped from the Audi, to get in touch on 101, quoting reference number 413 of 24/03/24."