Police praise, but...

Philip McKeown, speaking at a meeting in Cushendall last Thursday night, commended the police team on their efforts.

“This is good. There is a bit of work still to do, but well done,” he told Chief Inspector John Magill the Area Commander.

However, another member, Patrick McAteer, was quick to counter when he commented:

“We appreciate all the hard work, but I find it difficult to agree with my colleague.

“We have just heard a report where we have a rise in crime. It is hardly a top of the class mark, hardly a commendation,” Mr. McAteer said.

In his report, Chief Inspector Magill said that in November 167 crimes had been reported in Moyle.

The total number of crimes in th eperiod Aptril to December 2009 was 742 and when compared with the same period last year, it represented an increase of 167 crimes, up 29% on last year’s figure of 575.

The greatest increases he said had occurred in theft, burglary and criminal damage.

Chief Inspector Magill revealed that the clearance rate had increased from the six month report figure of 15.3% to the current figure of 19.4% for the period April to December 2009.

When this was compared against the April to December 2008 figure it gave an increase in the clearance rate of 5.7% on last year’s figure of 13.7%.

Chief Inspector Magill said they were working hard to try and reduce crime in Moyle and the onus was on the local police to address this through co-operation with the community.

“I have every confidence that my officers in Moyle will do their very best to reduce the number of crimes,” he added.