History panel theft probed

History panel theft probed

25 June 2025

POLICE are investigating the theft of a new history panel in Killyleagh. 

The panel was stolen some time in the first week of June from Killowen Churchyard.

Rowallane councillor Callum Bowsie has expressed his dismay following what he described as a “year-long campaign of vandalism” towards the sign.

The interpretative history panel was part of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Revitalisation Scheme for Killyleagh last year.

It highlighted the history of the local medieval church site along with its connection to the renowned 1839 poem by Lady Dufferin, ‘The lament of the Irish Immigrant’, which would later put Mary’s Stile on the map.

Cllr Bowsie said getting interpretative panels put up in public spaces was a “long and costly process” and that he had spent a to of time providing content for this particular sign.

He continued: “The scheme committee already suspected that the sign would be written over and had agreed to buy a special protective cover for this purpose.

“However, we did not expect the sign itself to be prised off the stone plinth and stolen.”

He said the sign had been vandalised multiple times since being installed and was linked to similar behaviour in Killyleagh.

“All lines of enquiry are being followed by police to prevent this childish behaviour continuing to ruin the village for everyone else,” he remarked.

“Due to the secluded location of Killowen Church the perpetrator will probably never be caught, and so regretfully I have advised the council not to replace the sign at this time as it would only be a waste of money.”

Any information can be given to the PSNI via 101 or Crimestoppers quoting reference number 1846 9/6/25.