DPP chair says police and public mustwork together

Mrs Tolerton, the first woman to hold the post in Lisburn, said she wanted to make a difference during her term in office and would be meeting with local community groups to drive home the message that the police and local people had to work together.

“I want to highlight certain things communities can do to help themselves,” explained Mrs Tolerton. “People need to look out for each other, and in particular, look out for vulnerable people in the community.

“In this day and age we cannot expect to have a police officer outside our door 24/7, everyone needs to work together.”

Mrs Tolerton highlighted several areas of concern which she hoped to focus on during her year in office, including a reduction in domestic burglary and anti-social behaviour.

“Whilst there has been a 25% reduction in domestic burglary during the first two months of this year, 50% of those burglaries were due to people leaving doors and windows open. People need to take responsibility and make sure that their homes are properly secured,” she said.

Mrs Tolerton also said the current economic climate had led to a rise in certain crimes, including internet scams. “If it is too good to be true, it probably is,” she warned.

She also asked local community groups to be aware that the theft of copper and lead had increased, with churches becoming a target. “There is a real need for the community to work together with the police on issues like this,” she added.

Lisburn District Policing Partnership will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday August 16 at 7pm in St Colman’s Church of Ireland Parochial Hall in Dunmurry and Mrs Tolerton is inviting everyone in the city to attend.

“I would encourage people to attend DPP meetings and voice their opinions,” she said. “There is generally a good attendance at the meetings and it is an opportunity for people to speak directly to the police about any concerns they have.”

Mrs Tolerton said she was “looking forward to the challenge” of her new role. “I want the Chair to be meaningful and proactive and I will work hard to make a difference,” she concluded.