Irish Republican News · December 13, 2006

High-tech British spy operation uncovered

Thousands of pounds worth of hi-tech surveillance equipment has been uncovered spying on the home of a County Down republican.

The spy cameras are believed to be among some of the most technically advanced surveillance equipment ever uncovered in the north.

Among the items uncovered near the home of father-of-five John McCauley was a 3ft long surveillance camera, three laptop-sized battery packs and what is thought to be a high-powered listening device.

The audio device, three cameras, transmitters and battery packs were found dug into a hillside around 1,000 yards away from Mr McCauley’s Tullyree Road home near Kilcoo in south Down on Sunday afternoon.

The devices had been camouflaged with plaster, sacking and paint to look like overgrown stones and earth.

The devices all bore serial codes and stickers indicating that they had last been last tested in June.

In 2003 Mr McCauley was charged with possession of explosives and Real IRA membership after four grenades, a shotgun and cartridges were found buried on his farmland.

The charges were later dropped after it emerged that the grenades might have been buried on the land for more than 60 years.

He later received compensation for damage caused during searches of his farm land.

However, Mr McCauley claims that he has been the victim of constant Crown force “harassment” since 2003.

He confirmed that he had now instructed his lawyer to take legal action against the PSNI and British army.

“They know I have nothing to do with anything but they are still continuing to harass and spy on my family.

“This was no mickey mouse operation; this equipment must have cost thousands of pounds and could spy on my home from more than 1,000 yards away.

“They have obviously been spying on my family and our home for some time.

“I have now asked my solicitor, Niall Murphy, to make complaints against the PSNI and British army and to see what legal redress is open to me to ensure that this harassment is brought to and end.”

A British army spokesman refused to comment.

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