Highest crime drop in Northern Ireland

LIMAVADY had the highest decrease in crime across Northern Ireland in the last year, a DPP report has stated.

Reported crime has fallen by over 15% with clearance rates increased to 32%, the second highest in the country. Area Commander Stephen Cargin presented the year end statistics for crime and the detection of crime. The report also included a review of policing with the community activities with the Limavady area, and various control strategies. Alan Robinson, Chair of Limavady District Policing Partnership took the opportunity to highlight key points within the report.

He said: "Crime trends are important to monitor, and assists the DPP to focus their discussions with the Police on areas that are of concern to the public." The chair noted a number of other encouraging points from the report including the reduction of reported antisocial behaviour incidences which have fallen by 8%, offences against the person are back to 2004/05 levels and violent crime has seen a 19.6% reduction compared with the previous year whilst a 1% increase was recorded across N Ireland. Trends for persons involved in "killed or seriously injured" road traffic collisions and in particular among the 16-25 year old age group continue to show dramatic downwards trends. While every crime and incident is not just a statistic but a crime against a person and/or their property, there were over 400 less victims of crime this year and these figures in a time of increased dissident threat levels, recession and in the area with the 3rd highest unemployment rate are notable and to be commended."

He continued: "Thank you Chief Inspector Cargin for updating the meeting on the recent spate of quad bike thefts and how the Police are working to resolve this. One of the yardsticks by which people judge the Police relates to crime detection and getting their property back. Regrettably, it remains that just over 1:3 crimes are cleared with clearance for burglary and thefts considerably lower. The Police are encouraged to implement best practice initiatives in order to build upon successes achieved last year and to further improve clearance rates."

"Discussion has focused on issues that impact upon public confidence in policing. Through public consultation, the DPP have identified that people expect their local police to have a high visibility, be locally based, accessible and who work in partnership to solve crime. They want to be treated civilly and with respect and for the Police to provide reassurance and feedback and to investigate their crime."

"It is also a two way street, and people need to remember that the Police are here to keep us all safe. We all as citizens of Limavady have a duty to be responsible citizens, to be mindful of our neighbours and to encourage the public to work with and support the police in the prevention and detection of crime.

"The public must continue to play their part, and everyone is encouraged to secure their property and possessions, to look out for their neighbours and be alert to suspicious activity.

"Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) – is an independent charity, where your name and address will never be asked for. Use them if you are uncomfortable with reporting directly to the Police. "

"The DPP will continue to represent the public, to be the voice of the public on local policing in the months ahead and to discuss these issues with the Police. "