Clearance rates up accross Moyle

Moyle Area Commander, John Magill said: "While there has been an increase in the overall number of crimes in Moyle, I welcome the news that clearance rates are up.

"We are focussing heavily on addressing the rise in certain crimes by using intelligence-led policing and high-visibility patrolling of hotspot areas, as well as engaging with the community to tackle the issue in partnership. We are firmly committed to continue to improve clearance rates and bring more people before the courts. This is a key priority.

"The continued support from the community in Moyle is very encouraging. The reporting of suspicious activity has led to a number of arrests for offences such as burglary and drink driving. Police in Moyle can be contacted on 0845 600 8000 or for emergencies dial 999. Information can also be passed anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"If you see anything suspicious please ring the police - don't assume someone else has already reported the matter. We want to ensure Moyle is a safe place to live, work and socialise - with the help of the community we will continue to make this happen."

Statistics show that overall crime fell by 1.5% in H District (which incorporates Larne, Ballymena, Moyle, Ballymoney and Coleraine) compared with 2008/09 (180 fewer incidents).

The Commander of H District, Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard, said: "I welcome the news that crime has fallen in H District. It shows that the Police Service, working with partner agencies and the community, is making the District safer for everyone who lives, works and socialises here.

"I am equally pleased that clearance rates across H District in general have improved. Bringing more people to justice is one of our key priorities."

The District Commander continued: "Police, along with the community, want to see crime reduced in H District, and the latest figures reflect our commitment to achieving this. Across H District, there has been a drop in overall crime in the year 2009/10. It is also worth noting that offences against the person are down 2.9%, total violent crime is down 4.4%, sexual offences are down 15.3%, criminal damage is down 4.7%, fraud and forgery is down 25.2% and robbery is down 35.1%. Theft increased by 4.2% and drug trafficking offences were up by 12.2%.

"Overall clearance rates have also increased by 2.9% (288 more crimes detected). Although these figures are extremely positive, we cannot afford to be complacent. My officers and I will be making sure that we continue our efforts to make H District safer."

Chief Superintendent Goddard also paid tribute to the work of the District Policing Partnerships, politicians, councils and community representatives in H District, who have played a key role in helping police address key priorities.

He said: "The figures for this District are very positive, and I hope that they will reassure the community that Police are tackling criminality. However, it is essential that the community continues to support our work as we seek to make our neighbourhoods safer. The more support we get from the community, the more we can do."