PSNI outline plans to tackle paramilitary attacks

Police have outlined how they plan to tackle the scourge of paramilitary style attacks as part of a new policing approach, stating a renewed determination to help communities take these attacks and attackers off their streets and reduce the harm caused.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Jun 2012, 15:50 BST

The initiative, which includes a full review of all investigative leads, a co-ordinated approach with Crime Operations and District policing to disrupt the activities of those believed to be involved in this criminality and a renewed appeal for public assistance through the social media platform, Facebook.

The problem has been particularly serious in the North West where one man has been murdered and numerous people forced to leave Londonderry by the so-called Republican Action Against Drugs (RAAD).

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The terror group has also been responsible for dozens of shootings in recent years, and has claimed responsibility for a recent blact bomb attack on a police vehicle during searches in the Creggan area of the city.

Giving details of the plan, Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris said; “The impact of these attacks on individuals, families and communities can be severe and yet many turn a blind eye to what is happening in their streets, either through fear, or indifference.

“Policing has a clear part to play, in reducing the number of these attacks and bringing perpetrators before the courts, but what is also clear to us, is that without the evidence, the victim and witness information, success in detection is limited. But I and my colleagues are determined to use all the policing tools at our disposal to disrupt not only the crime but the criminality. We will use a serious and organised crime policing approach to make a difference.

“These types of attacks are not a form of justice. We have seen a marked reduction in incidents - from 302 in 2001/02 to 79 in 2011/12 but these levels are still unacceptably high. The answer to this does not lie solely with a policing response but I am committed to stepping up our response and ensuring we will play our part to get results.

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“But it will take more than that to rid our communities of this scourge, I am asking others today to get involved with us, to stand up and help those who need assistance and to ensure these attacks and those who carry them out are firmly rejected.

“The independent charity Crimestoppers are active partners in this approach, providing an anonymous telephone line through which people can report information. No personal details are given or taken. I would urge people to use this.”

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111