The PSNI has defended its efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour in a Derry community after some residents said they believed police were not doing enough to address the issue.
The claims came in the wake of spate of attacks on homes in the Creggan area last week, which saw a window in the home of a 74-year-old smashed and an airgun used to shatter the bedroom window of another woman while she slept with her two-year-old daughter.
One of the woman targeted said was a feeling in the area that the PSNI were not doing enough to help stop the ongoing anti-social behaviour plaguing the area.
However, District Commander Superintendent Mark McEwan (pictured) said “issues of anti-social behaviour and drug dealing were a priority” for the PSNI, and the recent reports of trouble in Creggan caused him “great concern.”
“The Local Policing Team, District Support Team and primarily the Neighbourhood Team for the Creggan continue to be proactive in terms of patrolling and engagement and reactive when you have called to tell us about a problem or report a crime,” he said.
“In the last few weeks in the Creggan area we have recovered a stolen vehicle, seized drugs, seized a car for having no insurance and dealt with several anti-social behaviour reports.
“The Neighbourhood Team regularly meet with partners, community groups and individuals within the area to discuss any ongoing issues and more importantly decide what steps we can take together to make things better.”
Supt. McEwan added the PSNI needed help from the community in order to put an ‘appropriate response in place.’
“We want the people of the Creggan to be confident in the service we provide however it is only with information from the local community that we can build an accurate picture of the issues and concerns and put an appropriate response in place,” he added.
“I am committed to ensuring that we work very closely with local residents and partner organisations.
“We are also committed to supporting any local initiative that will help address community issues and we will play our part.
“Give us the information about criminality in the area, make statements, and allow us to deal effectively with these matters.
“If there are problems you want us to look at then talk to us so we can make the best use of the resources we have and continue to do our best to keep you and your community safe.”
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.