Burglary rate rockets in the Larne district

The Larne District Policing Partnership end-of-year report revealed that from April, 2009 to March, 2010, 142 domestic burglaries were recorded, compared with 111 the previous year.

PSNI area commander Ryan Henderson said there had been a spate of creeper-style burglaries in the borough during April and May, 2009, which had caused police “a great deal of concern”. However, he added that a man had been arrested in relation to the incidents and was now facing a number of charges. The accused had also admitted involvement in three more burglaries and remained in custody.

Mr Henderson added: “This spate of burglaries in the early part of the year caused a great deal of concern. But the gap has been significantly closed following the control of some of our most prolific offenders, either by imprisonment or by efforts to take them away from a life of crime.”

And the area commander urged witnesses to come forward and help police tackle the problem. “It is very rare that we get a call-out to a burglary when it is in progress,” he said. “This means we are reliant on a confession from the offender, trace evidence, or information from a witness to the crime. I would appeal for anyone who has information about burglaries to come forward and make themselves known to police.”

The DPP report also revealed that overall crime in the borough dropped by almost eight per cent in the past year, with 129 fewer crimes reported.

The areas of crime which saw the most significant decline were sexual offences, theft and offences against the person. The number of incidents of anti-social behaviour also dropped, with 167 fewer reported incidents this year.

Mr Henderson said he was pleased to see the reductions and added: “We have succeeded in not only meeting but also exceeding the majority of our targets. Significant increases in the number of drug searches and referrals for on-street drinking show that our officers have had a productive and proactive year, focusing in on the issues the community told us were important to them.

“Whilst that is good news, it is our duty to work ever harder and strive for better. My officers are committed to continue to build upon these successes over the next 12 months and improve upon their work where necessary.”