New chief for neighbourhood policing team

Martin Ruddy is the new Inspector for the borough following the departure of Tommy Mahood to a new position within the district.

Having previously occupied the role in Glengormley and Ballyclare, Ins Ruddy brings over 31 years of experience to the borough.

“I started out as a part-time officer in 1982 and moved to full-time in 1988; I also lived in Carrick a number of years ago,,” said Ins Ruddy, originally from Newtownabbey.

“I was a neighbourhood police officer in Glengormley and Ballyclare for five years and over that time I got to know the people and the community very well; I hope to do the same thing in Carrick and work towards making the borough a better and safer place.”

Congratulating Inspector Ruddy on his new role was chair of Carrickfergus Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Andrew Wilson. “I look forward to welcoming Martin Ruddy to Carrickfergus PSNI & PCSP in his new role as local Inspector,” he said.

“He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in policing and I am sure that he will prove to be an asset to us in Carrickfergus. He joins us with high recommendations from his peers in the borough of Newtownabbey, and it is a case of their loss being Carrickfergus’ gain. I look forward to working with him.

“It would be remiss of me not to wish our previous Inspector Tommy Mahood well in his new role within the Police Service in D district, and also to thank him on behalf of the partnership for his work in conjunction with the PCSP in recent times.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Wilson joined Area Commander Chief Inspector Stephen Reid for a patrol in the town last week in advance of Wednesday evening’s public meeting, the theme of which was to be home safety.

“It is important to be out and about on the ground talking to people in the borough about issues relating to policing and community safety,” Cllr Wilson said.

“In recent months there have been a number of burglaries in the Carrick area, and to this end the PCSP decided to hold a public meeting which will aim to provide information on crime prevention for local householders.