STRABANE DPP RECEIVE PSNI
PERFORMANCE REPORT
26.11.07
Strabane District Policing Partnership (DPP) received the 6-monthly performance report on policing of Strabane District at their meeting in public last night (Wednesday 21st November 2007).
During the meeting the Area Commander, Chief Inspector Phil Marks reported on progress made towards targets from the Local Policing Plan and the Northern Ireland Annual Policing Plan. He also answered questions from Strabane DPP in relation to anti-social behaviour, underage drinking, the role of the Youth Diversion Officer and clearance rates for sexual offences, robbery and theft from vehicles.
Councillor Eugene McMenamin, Chair said: "I wish to thank the Area Commander for his detailed report and commend him and his team for achieving a drop in crime of almost 25% for the first six months of the year. This means that there have been 259 fewer incidents of crime in the area over the last 6 months."
"Strabane DPP welcomes the significant reduction in the number of burglaries, theft and incidences of fraud and forgery across the district, all of which have seen a reduction of between 40 and 53%. We congratulate officers for their hard work to reduce the levels of crime that occur throughout the district." said the Chairman.
During the meeting the Area Commander outlined how local police work closely with local business representatives and community groups in a bid to reduce violent crime and criminal damage and to raise awareness of alcohol misuse among young people. He advised that "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."
He continued: "Our 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".
Ms Noelle Donnell, Vice Chair said: "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."
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NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. This was the 22nd meeting in public of Strabane District Policing Partnership.
2. It was held at Ballylaw Community Centre, Artigarvan.
3. There were 5 members of the public in attendance
4. During the meeting the Area Commander reported that within the last 6 months (April 2007 to September 2007):
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Crime Class % Change Change in no. of
Incidences
Offences against the person Decreased by 31.1% Down 126
Sexual offences Decreased by 32.0% Down 8
Burglary Decreased by 53.4% Down 34
Domestic Burglary Decreased by 31.4% Down 11
Robbery Increased by 100.0% Up 3
Theft Decreased by 18.3% Down 28
Fraud & Forgery Decreased by 47.6% Down 20
Criminal Damage Decreased by 7.2% Down 22
TOTAL CRIME Decreased by 24.2% Down 259
