Crime down, clearance up says police chief

E District Commander, Chief Superintendent Alasdair Robinson said police were continuing to look at how they could provide the most professional service possible.

“Over the next few weeks I will be asking for your opinion on how policing can best be delivered in your local area as we consult on the future of Warrenpoint, Dromore, Keady and Brownlow Police Stations,” he said.

“I want to hear your views and would invite you to fill in a comment form or attend one of the public meetings which will take place in the four areas over the next few weeks.

“Over the coming months we will continue to work with our partner orgnisations and you to provide the protective service you have asked for.”

Meanwhile, according to Mr. Robinson, more people are being made amenable for breaking the law and public confidence in police has increased.

“The latest quarterly survey into satisfaction levels with the police shows,” he said, “that confidence in police in E District has increased to 82.5%. This is an increase of 5.5% from 77% in 2009/10.

“This shows that our officers’ personal approach is working and that we are getting it right more and more often.”

The Chief Superintendent noted too that Neighbourhood watch schemes across E District had increased considerably over the last three years. “Partnership working is bringing communities and police together so that we are tackling crime and antisocial concerns jointly,” he said. “We have also seen some real successes in bringing suspects before the courts.

“Recently officers in Rostrevor seized 70 cannabis plants and 35kgs of cannabis resin in a planned search. A 33 year old man and 29 year old woman were charged and brought before the courts.

“In another incident, officers in Craigavon arrested two males after a burglary in Lismara. The men were apprehended a short distance away and both were charged.

“This is just a snapshot of the work that is going on every day by neighbourhood and response officers in your area. They are tackling crime, addressing anti-social behaviour, attending local meetings, visiting schools, working with young people and the more vulnerable in our society and working to make every community safe.”