Police increase patrols in Larne area after crime wave

The move follows yesterday’s hatchet attack on two Larne homes, as well as an armed robbery at the Ballygally Castle Hotel and the ramming of three police vehicles by a car at the weekend.

Chief Inspector Stephen McCauley said he wanted to “reassure local people that we are doing everything we can to keep the community safe.”

“There are clearly tensions within the Larne area that need to be addressed and these tensions are causing the local community, and police, an understandable degree of concern,” he stated.

“We take our responsibility to keep people safe seriously and have increased patrols in the Larne area in order to increase visibility and to act as a deterrent.

“Police are committed to protecting the people of Larne despite the attempts of this small minority who are intent on causing harm.

“I would appeal for local people to work with us and provide information about crime.

“It is only by working together that we can ensure that any criminal activity is appropriately dealt with and that residents are able to go about their normal daily lives unencumbered.

“Anyone with any information about criminal activity should contact police at Larne on the non-emergency number 101.

“Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”