Leaflet drop to cut crime rate

POLICE have completed a leaflet drop in the Strand Park and Rosemount areas of Cloughmills to address anti social behaviour and low level criminal damage in the area.

The news was revealed during a recent District Policing Partnership meeting held at Riada House last Tuesday.

Outlining community policing, Area Commander John Magill explained: “The Bush area is policed by two designated officers, constables Jonny Madden and Ian Gourly who deliver Community Policing in Ballybogey, Dervock, Stranocum, Killyrammer, Cloughmills and Loughgiel.

“Both Officers are well known in the area through their work within the community, attendance at the Community Associations and other fora.

Officers attend Cloughmills Community Action Team meetings, focusing on cross-community issues with meetings held in various locations around the village. Recent engagement with youth and community cumulated in repainting of the exterior walls of Cloughmills PSNI Station.

“In December police completed a leaflet drop in the Strand Park and Rosemount areas of Cloughmills to address anti social behaviour and low level criminal damage in the area as part of a problem solving approach.

“Neighbourhood officers in conjunction with community leaders arranged a cross community disco for young people from Cloughmills, Balnamore and Castle, funded by the PSNI Local initiative budget. An Environmental Visual Audit with NIHE which successfully addressed community concerns about youths on Quad bikes and Scramblers. Quarterly interagency meetings in Dervock, in partnership with Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Ballymoney Borough Council and members of the local community provide an opportunity to address local problems. Work is ongoing to have student officers from the Police college to assist with a tidy-up project in the village.”