Crime rate down in Ballymena - PSNI

CRIME is down in Ballymena and the PSNI’s wider H District with the local decrease amounting to 495 fewer crimes in 2010-2011.

According to the new figures released last week for the financial year 2010/11, overall crime fell by 11.5% in the District compared with 2009/10 (1,286 fewer incidents).

In the Ballymena area, this trend continued, with a fall in overall crime of 12.8% (495 fewer crimes) in 2010/11 compared with the previous financial year.

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There has also been a 9.4% drop in offences against the person, a 14.8% drop in theft, a 45.2% drop in fraud and forgery, a 35.7% drop in drug non-trafficking offences and a 7.1% drop in total violent crime in the Ballymena area.

However, there was a 22% rise in the number of sexual offences (14 more crimes), a 16.7% rise in domestic burglary (27 more crimes) and a slight 2.2% decrease (223 less crimes) in the number of crimes detected.

Speaking about the latest figures, District Commander Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard said: “I am extremely pleased that the efforts of your officers are reflected in the annual figures and I would like to thank them for their continued professionalism and commitment. It shows that the Police Service, working with partner agencies and the community, is making the area more secure for everyone who lives, works and socialises here.

Statistics are useful – they allow you the public to see how your officers are performing and they let us identify areas where we can improve our service. But policing is about more than just facts and figures.

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“I am conscious of the fact that behind every statistic is a victim of crime – someone who was assaulted, had their home burgled or their quality of life disrupted. It is important that you feel safe in your home and while we cannot promise that your street or neighbourhood will be completely crime free, we are committed to providing you with a service that is personal, professional and protective,” he said.

“There has been a substantial drop in the types of crime which are of particular concern to the people of Ballymena, such as total violent crime, theft and criminal damage,” saod the District Commander.

“ We are, however, concerned about the increase in burglaries and sexual offences and will do everything in our power to tackle such offences and bring more people before the courts.

“In the months ahead our focus will be on the priorities you have identified as being important. Your officers will continue to use intelligence-led policing and patrol crime hotspots in the area.

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“I would remind you that it is important to have appropriate crime prevention measures in place, to protect their property and to also report any activity that raises your suspicions immediately to us on 0845 600 8000, so that the matter can be investigated.

“We fully understand the concerns around crime and the fear of crime and are committed to working in partnership with the community to make a difference.”

Chief Superintendent Goddard added: “These figures reflect our determination to deliver the policing service that people tell us they want, addressing local crime and serious harm. However, it is essential that the community continues to support our work as we seek to make our neighbourhoods secure. The more support we get from the community, the more we can do.”