Police say crime is down

CRIME in E District has fallen, accoridng to the latest police statistics.

The PSNI said crime has fallen and detection rates have increased throughout E district, of which Banbridge is a part.

Crime has decreased by 90 offences (-0.6 per cent) and E District is the only policing district in Northern Ireland to increase their detection rate which has risen by 1.3 per cent.

Burglary, a priority for the district, has fallen by 228 incidents, a considerable decrease of 12.2 per cent, and antisocial behaviour has dropped by 1,665 incidents (17.8 per cent). Robbery, offences against vehicles and fraud and forgery have also decreased.

District Commander, Chief Superintendent Alasdair Robinson said, “I am pleased to be able to announce a decrease in crime and proud that we are the only district in Northern Ireland to increase our detection rate.

“These figures are testament to the personal service provided by officers who are spending more and more time in your community.

“This year the professional and protective approach of officers and staff in E District have prevented at least 90 less people becoming victims of crime. This is what drives us to succeed and we will continue to do all we can to make your district safer for everyone who lives, works or visits there.

“Neither will we become complacent.

“Officers in E District are continually working against a security threat but we have shown that we will not be prevented from delivering the neighbourhood policing you have asked for.

“Only recently we were able to prevent the detonation of a device on the Fathom Line in Newry. This was possible with your support and I would like to thank you for your continued assistance and help.

“We have seen incidents of antisocial behaviour drop by more than 1,660 incidents. This is down to the joined up work of your local officers, partner agencies and you in the community. This decrease shows just what we can achieve when we work together and we will continue to do this.

“Over the next year we will focus on increasing our engagement with you and reaching the more isolated and vulnerable in our community. We will continue to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour and concentrate on the issues that matter to you.”