‘Anti-social’ concern but crime is down

The move came at the Community Police Liaison Committee’s recent bi-monthly meeting, amid discussion about anti-social behaviour in Dromore Town Park.

The message reinforced on the night was the need for parents to be vigilant about the whereabouts of young people.

Constable Colin Madine delivered an overview of policing issues and how new policing structures were working; statistics showed crime across the area down on last year.

Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators were encouraged to join the closed Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page for co-ordinators across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area, a way of discussing concerns with groups facing the same issues in different areas, sharing ideas, solutions and good practice.

The meeting also saw the distribution of flyers and posters advising of precautions to reduce the chances of being burgled, and flyers - entitled ‘Break the Silence’ - were provided for Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators to distribute; they advise residents of who to contact if they are affected by anti-social behaviour such as vandalism, graffiti, drugs, street-drinking, noisy parties, stray dogs or intimidating behaviour.

Meanwhile, a public meeting is planned for January to try and ensure policing delivery reflects the involvement, views and priorities of local communities.

The spokesperson said: “PSNI is piloting the approach of a community engagement meeting in each of the Council District Electoral Areas during the months of January and February, with a guarantee that police - hopefully the local Inspector with responsibility for that DEA - will attend.”

For the Lagan River DEA, which includes Dromore, Donaghcloney and Waringstown, a meeting will be held in Dromore Bowling Pavilion at 7.30pm on January 21.

Dromore CPLC will meet next on March 2, at 7:30pm, in Dromore Town Hall.

For further information contact the PCSP team on 0300 0300 900 or [email protected].