Moyle PCSP promote caravan crime prevention

Police in Moyle recently attended a local caravan site owner engagement meeting recently in Ballycastle. The event, which was hosted by members of the local PCSP at Moyle District Council provided information and advice to caravan site owners on how to keep their premises safe. INBM34-14

The event was organised by the PCSP, to engage directly with this business sector to learn about community safety or policing

concerns they may have and to share information about a range of crime prevention initiatives which are available to help ensure that their property and that of their customers is better secured.

Property and goods stored in and around non-permanent residents can be more vulnerable to would be thieves and the PCSP and PSNI are keen to raise awareness of this and encourage better crime prevention practices to reduce the likelihood of victimisations.

The PSNI highlighted a range of practical measures caravan owners can put in place in and around their property and also promoted the benefits of their text alert scheme, requesting the support of the caravan site owners to encourage their customers to enrol with this service. This scheme makes use of mobile phone technology, enables police to send text messages to individuals or groups drawing their attention to a particular incident or event which may have a direct impact on the

security or safety of their property, in real time.

Attendees at the event heard how the PCSP have partnered with PSNI to make a number of caravan sensor alarms available free of charge to those who sign up to the text alert scheme and these will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Cllr Margaret Anne McKillop, Chair of Moyle PCSP, who welcomed the guests to the event, said: “We value the many visitors who regularly come to Moyle to enjoy our area and whist we are delighted that Moyle continues to be the safest place in Northern Ireland to reside and to visit, we do recognise that this is no reason to be complacent and prevention is always better than cure. We do not want our regular visitor to return to their caravans to find they have been broken in too, damaged or their property stolen.

“Today’s event has enabled PCSP members to engage with local caravan park owners to find out about and discuss their particular security and safety concerns. It has also highlighted that everyone has a role to play in crime prevention and this group, as the direct link with the hundreds of caravan owners who visit the area are key to encouraging effective crime prevention measures being put in place to secure properties to help prevent and deter crime.”

Chief Inspector Brenda Cairns, said: “It is the role of police to keep people safe, whether those people are local to the area or visitors. It is important that police work with the public to make things more difficult for criminals.

“The simple crime prevention steps that caravan owners take, combined with the investigative efforts of police will put criminals on the back foot.”

Moyle Inspector Bryan Hume said: “This meeting was extremely encouraging, as it gave police and caravan site owners the opportunity to avail of crime prevention advice and to encourage owners to utilise the PSNI’s text alert system warning of rural criminal activity.”

If you are a caravan owner and would like to sign up to The Text Alert Scheme you can collect forms at your caravan park office or contact Constable Wendy Nixon on 101 or 07917370130.

If you have concerns about Policing or Community safety in your area or wish to find out any further information about the Moyle Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) or its members you can access these on the Moyle District Council website under PCSP or contact PCSP saff on 028 207 62225 or email [email protected]