Petrol bomb attack tops meeting agenda

The meeting which took place last Friday came just days after the petrol bomb and brick attack in Iveagh Drive.

Commenting after the meeting Mrs Dobson said: “I receive regular briefings from the PSNI and welcomed the opportunity to meet with Supt Moore.

“I was provided with a detailed briefing and we discussed the recent petrol bomb attack which took place in Banbridge and the Police response to this, as well as a number of recent burglaries and attempted burglaries in the area.

“This meeting enabled me to raise a number of specific incidents brought to my attention through my constituency office and I welcome the updates and assurances I received.

“I also welcome the assurance that combating burglaries in this area remains a key priority for the police and that intelligence gathering which will lead to those responsible being apprehended continues.

“I also welcome ongoing work to root out drugs in our community as well as the winter crack-down against speeding and drink driving across Christmas and the New Year.

“I encourage people to be vigilant for themselves and their neighbours over the Christmas period as well as being conscious of their home security.

“Christmas is a time when homes can be particularly vulnerable targets for criminals and I would encourage people to report any suspicious behaviour to the Police.

“I have voiced my serious concerns around the recent changes to policing in the Banbridge District on many occasions and welcome the opportunity to receive regular briefings such as this from the PSNI. As I have said I will be monitoring these arrangements closely and was provided with a detailed briefing on local crime levels across all categories.

“Whilst figures can and should never mask the reality felt by victims of crime I was however glad to hear that a number of targeted initiatives from the police are beginning to have the desired effects.

“However I do encourage people to report crime to the PSNI, especially domestic violence which remains one of the most under-reported crimes.

“I also took the opportunity to raise incidences of rural crime where farms are often targeted and the effect this can and has had on farming families in the District as well as the policing arrangements in local villages including Scarva and Waringstown.”