Anonymous key pads used to discuss drug and alcohol use

The event was carried out using anonymous key pads and was very successful, according to local police.

The news was revealed at last Thursday’s District Policing Partnership meeting in Cushendall when Inspector Bryan Hume outlined Moyle’s nine monthly report.

Outlining the Bushmills area, he explained: “Bushmills neighbourhood is identified in the Giant Causeway Ward. It is policed by two designated officers, Constable Peter McKeary and Constable David McCaughan. Sergeant Lorraine Connor covers the Bushmills area.

“These officers are well known within the area through the work they complete with the community. They also have taken responsibility for Armoy and all of Mosside having previously built up relationships in these areas.

“They have been involved in various projects in the area, supported by Moyle Community Partnership, Moyle District Council Good Relations, local schools, Education Board and DPP. One such project was working along with local community groups in a drop in centre following some issues with anti-social behaviour.

“A group of young persons were identified from the local school to attend Bushmills. This group were involved in a discussion on drug and alcohol use. This was carried out using anonymous key pads.

“This group will be taken on various outings which enable the police to interact with the young people and with the assistance of some peer pressure this will hopefully improve behaviour and therefore reduce incidents of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in the Bushmills area.

“These young people will continue to have contact with these officers for the next three months. This proved successful in the Armoy area last year.”

Highlighting recent criminal damage on a local Orange Hall, the Inspector added: “The officers also identified an opportunity to share information with the Ballintoy community. At community meetings they were attempting to get funds for a notice board. Police offered to part fund if we could use part of the board for crime prevention information.

“This board is now in use in Ballintoy. Some damage has been caused to the local Orange Hall, but I have no doubt this is just mindless criminal damage and not a specifically against the Orange Order. Relations in this area are still very good.”