CRIME TASK FORCE CALL

Police and Community Safety Partnership committee member for Lisburn Council, Councillor Paul Stewart said; “Local residents and business owners within Downshire, who have been a victim of crime in recent times have contacted me and are very concerned that rural crime has increased dramatically within their area.”

He explained that on August 21 there were several incidents within the Downshire ward alone and several more on the outskirts of Dromara Village.

“This is totally unacceptable and requires urgent action from the police and the new PCSP,” said Mr Stewart.

He continued: “I will be recommending a new task force made up of PCSP members and Senior Police Officers from neighbouring policing sectors to develop a strategy on how we can tackle this issue quickly.”

Mr Stewart said that within the last week he and Edwin Poots MLA have visited over 150 homes of those who are elderly and vulnerable and their biggest issue of concern was the fear of robbery and feeling isolated.

“Mr Poots intends to raise the concerns of rural crime at Assembly level,” he added.

“I would call on anyone who saw anything suspicious, has any information on these matters or has any information that you feel may be useful, to please notify the police as soon as possible,” concluded Mr Stewart.