Crime-fighting event helps make rural dwellers safer

The initiative to combat rising rural crime was held in Carnlough’s Glenlough Community Centre last week. It was specially geared to inform farmers and other rural dwellers of the risks to property and the security measures they can implement.

Following on from a similar, very successful event organised by the DPP at Millbrook, it was well attended by people from Carnlough and further afield including Glynn, Glenarm, Ballygally, Broughshane, Carrickfergus, Carnalbanagh, Feystown, Glenariff and Cushendall, as well as some Larne DPP members, councillors and Assembly member Oliver McMullan.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise at Greenmount advised on security options for cattle and sheep farmers. Larne Borough Council officers gave advice about dog chipping, home safety and energy conservation, while the Ulster Farmers’ Union stand gave advice about the Farm Text scheme.

Some 30 trailers were security-marked, dogs were chipped and information was provided on neighbourhood, church and farm watch schemes.

DPP vice-chairman Patricia McNeill thanked those who organised the event including PSNI inspector Noel Rogan and Sgt Colin Skinner; William Cross, UFU; and Larne DPP manager Wendy Carson. Those who assisted on the day, including neighbourhood police, Maria Fyfe, Neighbourhood Watch and DPP member Crawford Wilson were also thanked for their help.

Patricia, under whose initiative the rural crime events were organised, said: “It is hoped that the body which replaces the DPP – the Policing and Community Safety Partnership – will continue to run such events to assist the police to combat crime in the borough.”

Coast Road Sinn Fein councillor James McKeown, who had asked for the crime prevention event to be held in Carnlough, said: “I would like to thank the organisers for accepting the invitation to bring the road show to the village and I am delighted that so many people attended and took an interest in what was on offer.”