Progress on Neighbourhood Watch welcome

DUP Councillor Carla Lockhart welcomed the moves and has been working with the PSNI, the Police and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and members of the public to help get Neighbourhood Watch schemes set up within Dollingstown and the Mourneview estate area.

Speaking after the very successful launch nights in both areas Cllr Lockhart said, “In recent days the spate of burglaries in the local area have increased.

“With diminishing police resources it is getting increasingly difficult to have a police presence in all areas therefore I felt there was a need for residents to be the eyes and ears of the area that they live in, to be that conduit between the PSNI and the local area.

“I am delighted that in Dollingstown the areas that are in the progress of being covered include, Regency, Gilpin Park, Taughrane Lodge and Kennsington Manor. Within Mourneview the following, The Willows, Gracey Drive, Brook Hill, Darling Avenue, Houston Park, Donard Gardens, Ardboe Drive and a number of streets in the Grey Estate. This is just a start to what I envisage being a village and estate wide initiative. I am delighted that those who are willing to co-ordinate the scheme have put their names forward and am looking forward to working with them over the coming weeks and months as we refine the and complete out on the process.”

She added: “Neighbourhood watch is described as a scheme of systematic local vigilance by householders to discourage crime, especially burglary.

“In a day and age when our area is blighted by crime and burglaries I would encourage anyone with an interest in being vigilant to come forward and speak with myself, the PSNI or the PCSP and get involved. I would like to thank all those that have entered into the Neighbourhood watch spirit and look forward to working with them going forward.”