Joint approach to crime prevention in Coleraine

Constable William McCaffrey of the PSNI’s Public Protection Unit in Coleraine explained: “We are always looking for innovative ways to get our crime prevention messages across to isolated and vulnerable members of the community, and particularly to those who would not ordinarily come into contact with police on a regular basis through attendance at resident’s association meetings or other community groups.

“In an effort to address this issue we recently met with members of the Social Services Elder Care Unit, and provided them with details of the latest crime prevention techniques, so that they would be in a position to pass on this invaluable advice to those they visit during the course of their everyday work in the Coleraine, Ballymoney and Moyle areas.”

Const McCaffrey added: “We believe that this approach will have far reaching benefits as it not only provides householders with information about home security, the message in a bottle scheme, and how to thwart bogus callers, it should give vulnerable people a renewed confidence in their own ability.

“This we hope will also reduce their fear of crime, allow them to feel safer in their own homes, and ultimately to get more enjoyment from life.”

“An added benefit of the initiative is that members of the Elder Care Team, who already do a fantastic job in the community, can help us to identify those who are perhaps more vulnerable than others and whom they feel would benefit from a personal visit by our local Crime Prevention Officer, or those who have issues that could be better addressed by our dedicated Neighbourhood Police Teams.”

“All householders should be aware of the ‘Quick Check’ system which is a free telephone service that is available 24 hours a day all year round to residents throughout Northern Ireland. It should be used to quickly check the identity of unexpected callers to your door. They can be contacted on 0800 013 22 90.

“And, remember, never let anyone into your home until you are completely satisfied as to who they are,” concluded Constable McCaffrey.