Gay hate crime is highest in Banbridge

Banbridge topped the poll throughout the whole of E district, with a staggering 58 per cent of gay people surveyed admitting to being worried about the prospect of homophobic crime.

One quarter of people questioned in Banbridge, said they have been a victim of hate crime in the past - a figure five per cent higher than the Northern Ireland average.

The research, undertaken by the Rainbow Project in Belfast, surveyed people throughout E district which includes Armagh, Craigavon and Newry and Mourne, was described as shocking and alarming by David Griffin, vice-chair of the District Policing Partnership (DPP).

“This research is a real cause for concern because that sense of fear actually discourages people from raising the issue.

“Unless we are brave and address the issue nothing will happen.

“Who would have thought we would have such figures in cosy old Banbridge?”

Speaking at a meeting of the DPP last week Area Commander Ken Mawhinney encouraged people to report crime.

“Banbridge is quite progressive in terms of reporting crime.

“We still need more crimes reported though to give an accurate picture of this type of crime in the area.”

Edwina from the Craigavon and Banbridge LGBT is only too aware of the effects of this type of crime.

She told the Leader, “I moved to Banbridge with my partner to get away from this type of crime and was quite shocked at these figures.

“Although in saying that this could be just the tip of the iceberg as most crime does go unreported for obvious reasons.

“Either people don’t have faith in the authorities taking action against this type of crime or they are simply too afraid to report it.

“I myself have suffered verbal abuse and vandalism of my property.

“It was a real nightmare when I had to live through it.

“I would urge people to keep reporting so we can really try and address this problem in the area.

“Even though it is hard to look at such high figures I am glad we have seen them so we can really get a truer picture and start tackling the issue.”