Crime rate is down across the district

Clearance rates have also improved by 3.3 per cent and currently stand at 24.9 per cent, as recorded in the statistics for 2009/10.

A crime category breakdown shows that the biggest reduction was in the number of robberies which fell by 27.3 per cent, with a reduction of 23.5 per cent in the number of domestic burglaries.

There were a total of 16 fewer burglaries, although theft from motor vehicles increased by 3.5 per cent - although this amounted to just two more incidents.

In the Police Service’s E District, which includes Banbridge, Craigavon, Armagh and Newry and Mourne areas, the statistics show that overall clearance rates increased by 3.1 per cent to 26.7 per cent, compared with the figures for 2008/09. This resulted in 473 extra ‘cleared’ incidents.

Commenting on the figuires, Area commander, Chief Inspector Ken Mawhinney, said, “I am particularly pleased by the drop of 5.1 per cent in overall crime which shows local officers’ commitment to fighting crime and working with the local community to address areas of concern.

“Neighbourhood police officers have been working tirelessly over the last 12 months to find new and innovative ways to reach out to all members of the community and deal with the issue which affect them.”He said neighbourhood policing teams had secured funding to work with different groups of young people, both through schools and youth groups, to tackle concerns around anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse and fear of crime.

“They also work continuously with the District Policing Partnership to arrange events for both young and older people in community venues,” added Chief Inspector Mawhinney. “Local officers also work with local businesses and hold regular night-time economy meetings to address night-time disorder and assaults.

“This has proved very successful with fast food traders agreeing to close at specified times, Banbridge Community Safety Wardens patrolling the town centre during night life hours at the weekend, Outreach NI engaging night-time revellers when the pubs and clubs empty and additional patrolling provided by police officers.

“Neighbourhood officers have shown their commitment to tackling crime and working in partnership and this is reflected in the crime statistics for the area.”

And, while thefts from motor vehicles had increased slightly, the Chief Inspector said officers had already taken steps to combat this, with advice leaflet drops to churches, nursing homes and other venues where cars are regularly parked.

Chief Superintendent Alasdair Robinson, E District Commander, said the latest figures reflected the PSNI’s determination to make the district safer and bring more people before the courts.

“While a fair number of these figures are positive, others give cause for concern and we will not become complacent,” he said. “It is essential that the community continues to support our work as we seek to make our neighbourhoods safer.”