Social media used to track '˜wanted on warrants'

Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 13th February 2017

PSNI Chief Inspector Jon Burrows pictured at Lurgan ;police station speaking to the media regarding the shooting of a man in the early hours of Monday morning. A 31-year-old man is in a critical condition in hospital following the gun attack at around 1.45am in Carrigart Crescent in Craigavon

Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com — Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 13th February 2017 PSNI Chief Inspector Jon Burrows pictured at Lurgan ;police station speaking to the media regarding the shooting of a man in the early hours of Monday morning. A 31-year-old man is in a critical condition in hospital following the gun attack at around 1.45am in Carrigart Crescent in Craigavon Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com

The operation focuses on tracking down those people who have failed to turn up at court and are wanted for criminal offences.

Police have taken the step of releasing images on the local PSNI social media pages of people wanted on bench warrants.

Chief Inspector Jon Burrows explained: “This is the first time we have used the PSNI social media to locate people wanted on warrant.

“We have pursued every reasonable option to find these people via other avenues.

“Officers in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon have made 15 arrests, nine images released, 23 warrants cleared by suspects located or handing themselves in, and checked over 100 addresses, with support from the public.

“I would like to commend the officers and thank the public for working together to keep people safe.

“Anyone who has outstanding warrants should contact the police directly or via their solicitor.”

Inspector Burrows added: “This success could not have been achieved without the help and active support of our partners, community leaders and the public.

“Reducing crime and making people feel safer is of primary importance to us.”