‘Officers will be available 24/7’ say police

The PSNI has moved to reassure Banbridge residents over changes to the area’s police cover.
Banbridge PSNI Police Station.Banbridge PSNI Police Station.
Banbridge PSNI Police Station.

Police have released a statement, saying officers will be available 24/7 in the local area.

“Local Policing Teams are a new development for policing and, within the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area, will be based in Lurgan and Armagh,” said the staement.

“ LPTs will cover the whole Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area.

“The intention is that they will not simply attend calls but will build up an enhanced knowledge of the areas they serve in through engagement with the community.

It continued: “LPT officers will provide an extra level of commitment to allow for long term problem solving and develop partnerships in order to reduce offending and reduce crime. They will be involved in engagement, including mediation and conflict resolution.

Residents can rest assured that police will continue to be available to them 24/7 and will continue to patrol and provide a visible presence.”

Local DUP MLA Sydney Anderson has also expressed major concern over news that from October there will be no patrol officers based in Banbridge Police Station.

Mr Anderson said: “I am extremely concerned that under the new arrangements that are being brought forward the present Neighbourhood policing arrangement for Banbridge District will be replaced by officers based in Lurgan and Armagh with Banbridge Police Station becoming an operational command and administration centre.

“This news is a devastating blow to all in the community and the only people who will benefit from such a development is those individuals who are intent on committing criminal acts and hurting our local communities.”