Police install rural crime prevention programme

POLICE in Cushendall have installed a number of successful rural crime prevention initiatives, including marking farm equipment and scanning the irises of sheep.

The news was revealed at last Thursday’s District Policing Partnership meeting in Cushendall when Inspector Bryan Hume outlined Moyle’s nine monthly report.

Highlighting the Cushendall area, he explained: “Cushendall Neighbourhoods is identified in the Glens Ward. It is policed by two designated officers, Constable Mark Crawford and Constable Aaron Coyle. Part of Sergeant Armour’s portfolio is the Cushendall area.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Both of theses officers have now worked in this area for more than four years. The two officers are well known in the area and are keen to improve their visibility. They have organised various street briefings and surgeries with various degrees of success.

“They have been involved in various projects in the area, notably the award winning rural crime initiative that involved marking farm equipment and scanning the irises of sheep. This project has been very successful, though it may have been taken over by a scheme to micro-chip all sheep.

“They have also been involved in Cushendall to provide activities for local youths. This is one where despite a lot of effort and promises of money did not happen due to some disagreement between the other parties - we can not win them all.

“We however continue to work in partnership with the community to identify issues. Last year there were some issues identified regarding Halloween bonfires. This year we worked along with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service to distribute leaflets on bonfire safety. Police patrols were also increased over this period.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Meetings have also been organised over the year with residents in Cushendall to discuss anti-social motoring. Although anit-social motoring remains a problem, work is ongoing with this matter with enforcement action continuing.

“Police also worked with the DPP, Roads Policing, Department of Regional Development and local biking clubs to arrange an event to encourage safe riding on the Coast Road, a theme picked up later on in the year by Stormont.

“The increase in invitations for police to attend community groups has been very useful, providing officers with an opportunity to hear community concerns and to build up contacts in the local area.

“Prior to Christmas, Cushendall held two surgeries, these were appreciated by the local community and hopefully will be repeated in the near future.”

Related topics: