CRIME across Strabane has dropped by almost 25 percent over the past six months, new figures have revealed.
The statistics were received by Strabane District Policing Partnership (DPP) at a meeting in Ballylaw Community Centre, Artigarvan, last week.
During the meeting, it emerged that burglaries were down by over 50 percent, while fraud and sexual offences also decreased significantly. Theft, criminal damage and offences against the person also dropped, while the only criminal activity to increase was robbery, which rose by a total of three incidents.
During the meeting Area Commander Chief Inspector Phil Marks outlined how the PSNI have been working closely with local business representatives and community groups in a bid to reduce violent crime and criminal damage and to raise awareness of underage drinking.
"It is our intention to make Strabane a safer place to live, work and socialise. We have monthly meetings with members of the Chamber of Commerce to discuss any ongoing problems and how best to address them. We run regular operations at weekends deploying high visibility patrols at specific hotspots and employ a robust and proactive approach with regard to the arrest and charging of offenders," Mr Marks said.
The Area Commander added that Neighbourhood Policing Teams have been involved in youth alcohol awareness projects involving workshops with young people, parents, publicans and youth workers looking at issues of abuse, violence and disorder.
Following Mr Marks' address, questions on anti-social behaviour, underage drinking, the role of the Youth Diversion Officer and clearance rates for sexual offences, robbery and theft from vehicles were put to the PSNI.
Chair of Strabane DPP Eugene McMenamin congratulated officers on their efforts in reducing crime, while vice chair Noelle Donnell added: "Strabane DPP are grateful for the detailed responses given by the Area Commander on what actions are being taken to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in this area and we appreciate his co-operation.
"We realise that PSNI are working with other agencies on a number of initiatives to tackle these problems. Anti-social behaviour in particular remains a priority in the policing plan for the current year and we are confident that officers will continue to focus resources on this issue."
