Police target burglars in plan

Local PSNI officers aim to reduce the amount of domestic burglaries by 3 per cent after recent figures revealed 89 incidents were reported between April and December last year.

Other key targets announced at last week’s local Policing Plan launch include reducing incidents of anti-social behaviour, and violent crime.

Following the deaths of 21 people on the district’s roads between April and December last year police are also making it their priority to tackle people who speed, drive dangerously and those who drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

Area Commander, Chief Inspector Ken Mawhinney said he is confident his local team can continue to meet targets despite the challenging economic climate.

“This year’s targets will be challenging given the level of last years reductions and the continued financial pressures on the Service as a whole,” said CI Mawhinney. “However, I am confident with the District Policing Partnership, the local communities and my officers working in partnership towards the common goal of making the Banbridge Area a safer place in which to live, work, visit and socialize. We will together strive to achieve the targets which all law-abiding citizens can subscribe too.  

“I acknowledge the co-operation, guidance and support of everyone involved in developing this plan and look forward to another successful year working with, and for, all members of the community in the greater Banbridge area.”

Chairman of the District Policing Partnership, Councilor Seamus Doyle, said the members will continue to keep a close eye on police performance.

“The importance of regular engagement between communities and local Neighbourhood Policing Officers, and dealing effectively with telephone calls made by the public to both the call handling centre and the station front desks were seen by the DPP as critical in improving satisfaction with policing and encouraging the reporting of incidents and crime,” said Mr Doyle.

“The Banbridge DPP Members look forward to monitoring local police performance at the Meetings in Public, and also through various public and local community forums.”

The next Meeting in Public of Banbridge DPP will take place in Rathfriland on Wednesday June 8 starting at 7.15pm in the bowling pavilion.