Moyle has lowest crime rate in Northern Ireland

Superintendent John Magill has described the recently released crime figures for the area that was Moyle policing district as “very positive”.
Superintendent John Magill.Superintendent John Magill.
Superintendent John Magill.

Overall, crime was down in Moyle by 12% last year, and Moyle had the lowest crime rate for all of Northern Ireland.

Superintendent Magill, Causeway Coast and Glens commander commented: “While I welcome the fact that the policing area previously known as Moyle is a very safe place to live, work and visit, I would caution against compliancy. Challenges exist, for example, recent community concern about anti-social and dangerous driving across the new council area.

“I would however like to recognise the constructive relationship between local people, partner agencies and the police when considering these positive figures. We will draw on the partnership approach as policing changes in the coming years. The importance of the area is highlighted by the fact that a local neighbourhood team will be retained as policing across Northern Ireland gets a shake-up. Having said that, the reality is that we are operating in an environment of reducing budgets and reducing numbers of people to deliver against the same volume of calls for service.”

Superintendent Magill concluded and offered commentary on some of the figures:

“I would hope, however, that we will play our part in maintaining these positive crime figures going forward.”

Burglary – down by 39%

“I am pleased that 43 fewer burglaries were committed last year. We know from working with victims of crime that break ins give rise to anxiety and distress for victims. Our local officers, alongside our Crime Prevention Officer, have worked hard to raise awareness of crime prevention measures. Please remember that 40% of break ins are walk ins through unlocked doors and windows.

“Please continue to lock doors and windows to ensure that we keep criminals on the back foot.”

Drugs offences – down by 19 incidents

“Although police have detected fewer drugs incidents this year, it is clear that a local drugs problem remains. Operation Torus, targeting street level drug dealers ran across Northern Ireland early this year and saw arrests and drug seizures made in the Moyle area, both in towns and rural areas.

“Our work in tackling the drugs trade continues outside of specific operations and involves all of our officers. Arrests for lower lever drug offences are made frequently across the local area. We ask local people for their assistance in tackling drug dealing by contacting us with any information on drug dealers. You can call police on the new non-emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Violence with injury - down by 20%

“Violence with injury can cover a wide range of crime types. It ranges from domestic abuse behind closed doors to more visible alcohol related street disorder. Police work in partnership with statutory agencies such as the council, voluntary organisations such as Woman’s Aid and businesses associated with the night time economy in order to tackle this crime type.

“It is important that people continue to report crimes such as domestic abuse to police. We are working in partnership with other statutory agencies such as the Housing Executive and charities such as Women’s Aid to support victims of domestic abuse. It can be a difficult journey for a victim of violent crime through the criminal justice system, but we are committed to playing our part by bringing people before the courts.”

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) – down by 15%

“ASB is a problem which can severely affect quality of life. I am pleased that ASB incidents have come down, with fewer reports to police. ASB is often dealt with in partnership with community groups and the council. This approach can provide targeted and local solutions to specific ASB problems, sometimes involving dialogue and mediation rather than enforcement.

“We must also realise that police will prioritise emergency response calls over issues like ASB, which may be dealt with in slower time in the future. This is one of the realities around a reduced police budget and capacity and a renewed focus on threat, risk and harm.”