Community representatives hear of crime figures fall

They got to hear news about the continued fall in reported figures for crime and anti-social behaviour for the Gilford Area as a whole.

At a meeting hosted by Gilford Community and Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), Sgt Billy Stewart, who is in charge of the Neighbourhood Team for Banbridge town and the Gilford Area, outlined figures for the first six months of this year.

He commented on the contribution that working in partnerships has made to these figures, but also urged local people to report anything suspicious as well as any crimes and to engage with the local Neighbourhood Officers.

Councillor John Hanna, the Chairman of Banbridge Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) commented, “The message from Sgt Stewart and Inspector Gillespie was loud and clear – the Gilford Area is a safe place to live and this is down to local communities working with each other and with all the agencies including the police.”

He continued, “Neighbourhood Watch schemes play a vital role in helping local residents to feel safe as well as be safer, and all credit must go to those who voluntarily give of their time to support these schemes within our local communities.”

Those attending also discussed a range of other issues including youth work in the Gilford Area and Gilford Community Centre, and a number of actions were agreed to be taken forward.

Banbridge PCSP are one of the partners supporting a family well-being information and fun event at Gilford Community centre on Friday 16th November between 1.30pm and 5pm. Young people under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent but entry is free with the opportunity to get advice and information on a range of topics whilst having some family friendly fun.

For further information about this event and about Banbridge PCSP, please contact the PCSP office on 028 4062 0248 or email: [email protected]