Crime clearance rates up, police statistics reveal

However, crime was up in Ballymena by 6.6% (240 more crimes).

There has also been a 16% drop in sexual offences (12 fewer crimes), a 14.3% drop in domestic burglary (27 fewer crimes), a 25% drop in robbery (seven fewer crimes) and a 3.1% drop in violent crime (34 fewer crimes) in the Ballymena area.

However, there was an increase in theft (22.5% - 179 more incidents) and drug trafficking offences (39.3% - 11 more incidents) compared to the previous year.

Ballymena Area Commander, Ryan Henderson said: “While there has been an increase in the overall number of crimes in Ballymena, I welcome the news that a significant number of offences are down.

“There has been a substantial drop in certain types of crime which are of particular concern to the community, such as burglary, violent crime and sexual offences. I hope that this will reassure the public that together, Police and the community are committed to making a difference.

“There has been a rise in theft and drug offences, so we are focussing heavily on addressing these issues 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 have also increased our clearance rates with regard to theft and drug offences which mean we are arresting and putting more people before the courts for these types of crime,” he said.

The Area Commander continued: “Neighbourhood Policing has continued to develop with officers leading a multi-agency operation targeting road safety and anti-social behaviour in the town; the majority of local residents spoken to after the operation reported an improvement in both issues.

“The Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings are providing real focus for police and partner activity and have seen officers tackling issues such as illegal use of fireworks and misuse of scramblers and quads, which have an impact on quality of life of local residents.

“Ballymena PSNI have also created a Facebook page to develop contact with people who have a real interest in policing and provide relevant information which helps people stay safe and informed.”

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, welcomed the news that crime has fallen in H District.

He said: “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”.