Crime figures fall in Coleraine

Figures for April 1st to September 30th this year show that crimes compared to last year have fallen by 2.1%.

The data was discussed at a Coleraine District Policing Partnership meeting in Kilrea Town Hall last Monday when PSNI Area Commander Nicky Thompson presented his report.

Chief Inspector Thompson reported that crime in the area has been falling over the last six years.

However, he did highlight one area of crime which IS on the increase - the theft of copper and lead.

He said that so far this year there have been 180 of these type of thefts compared with only 138 last year.

He said that the thefts tend to occur in rented or vacant properties and are becoming more and more difficult to detect as burglars are now more forensically aware.

Chief Inspector Thompson gave examples of culprits wearing gloves, socks over their shoes and masks on their faces to avoid leaving DNA evidence at the scenes of crimes.

He appealed for neighbours to be vigilant and to report suspicions to police.