19th DECEMBER 2005
Limavady District Policing Partnership in accordance with the DPP (NI) Order 2005 has unanimously appointed Rosemary Savage, an independent member of the District Policing Partnership as its Vice Chair. Rosemary was elected to the position by the independent members of the DPP. During the first term of the DPP, the Chair and the Vice Chair was held by an elected member.
Rosemary Savage brings to the job a wide experience of many different sectors and she is committed at local level to empowering communities and in developing Limavady Borough through her involvement in various school, church and secular organisations, in particular Aghanloo Community Association, Anganloo Womens’ Institute, Roe Valley Rural Development and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust. Upon appointment Rosemary said that “she was proud to have participated in the DPP since its formation, to have witnessed the progress that has been made and feels privileged to have been reinstated as an independent member to continue to work to the benefit of our community.”
Nigel McLaughlin, member of the Partnership welcomed Rosemary to the role, and “assured Rosemary of the full support of the Partnership, and looked forward to working with her, as the DPP continues to represent the people of Limavady Borough by being its ears and eyes regarding policing issues, and through dialogue with the police to shape local policing”. He went on to say, “as the DPP enters a second term, it looks forward to engaging with communities so that there is a real impact on crime levels within the Borough”
Leslie Cubitt, Chairman of Limavady District Policing Partnership expressed his delight upon learning of Rosemary’s appointment and said “that he looked forward to sharing leadership of the DPP with her and together bringing vision to the work and helping to shape local policing through dialogue, consultation and a problem solving approach”.
L-
R back row - Maureen Hudson, Marie Keown, Martin Quinn, Sheila McLaughlin
Front row - Rosemary Savage, Nigel McLaughlin
Absent - Declan Doherty.
2nd DECEMBER 2005
Leslie Cubitt, Chairman of Limavady District Policing Partnership once again took the opportunity to commend the police for the latest in a series of drug seizures, in the Feeny area on Thursday, 1st December 2005. He stated “this was another very significant find, taking a further £17,500 of cannabis resin out of the supply chain. From April to September 2005, there were 54 seizures of drugs, an increase of 19 on the same period last year with a total of 18 persons were arrested, of which 16 were charged. These seizures and arrests cannot go unmentioned, and the police are to be commended for their continuing work in this area.”
He continued “During the last two weeks, there have been four seizures of drugs and one person appeared in court today Friday in association with the latest drug find”
The Chairman, once again, urged everyone to “hear it, see it, report it” as it is only through working in partnership that the scourge of drugs can be removed from our communities. Information can be given to the local police on 0845 600 8000 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
1st DECEMBER 2005
Councillor Leslie Cubitt, chair of Limavady District Policing Partnership, has today welcomed the announcement by the Policing Board of the seven independent members to serve on the newly-reconstituted DPP from 2nd December 2005.
“I am pleased to welcome the reappointment of Maureen Hudson, Marie Keown, Nigel McLaughlin and Rosemary Savage to the DPP for the coming four years. They have together played an important role during the DPP’s first two-and-a-half years of office, working alongside the Council nominated elected members, in shaping local policing through being the voice of policing, facilitating discussion on policing, input into drafting of the local policing plan and monitoring the work of the police locally. Each of them has approached the task with enthusiasm and dedication, and brought their own individual experience, perspective and links with the community.
“I am also pleased to welcome the appointment of new members – Declan Doherty, Sheelagh McWilliams and Martin Quinn. They will find their roles both challenging and rewarding, and I look forward to working with them.
“The DPP took the opportunity at a recent meeting to pay tribute to retiring DPP members, Damien Corr, Jack Dolan, Jim Herron, Dessie Lowry and Mary McCrea. Liam Flanigan, Chief Executive of Limavady Borough Council thanked each of the members for their valuable contribution to the Partnership in its formative years, and presented each of them with a hand-made pen, sourced locally from Limavady Craft World.
“Council has appointed eight members to serve on the DPP, they are: Michael Cartan, Michael Coyle, Leslie Cubitt, Gerry Mullan, Jack Rankin, Alan Robinson, George Robinson and Edwin Stevenson”.
The reconstituted Board, comprising of 15 members, 7 independent members and 8 elected members, of whom 10 have served during the initial team, will facilitate continuity while allowing for new insights, ideas and impetus. Members come from a broad range of opinions, experience, and backgrounds, and will continue to build on the learning gained from the first term of office into a second term, with the clear purpose of being the local voice on policing, and together making the Borough safer through partnership working, and to shape local policing.”
Together, the members of the DPP have four main responsibilities to:
- consult the local community on key policing issues
- identify local policing priorities
- monitor the work of the PSNI locally
- engage with the community, with a view to gaining the cooperation of the public with the police in the prevention of crime
- act as a general forum for discussion of policing issues
30th NOVEMBER 2005
Limavady District Policing Partnership in association with Limavady Police organised an event in the Alexander Arms on the 29th November 2005 to raise awareness of how to deal with counterfeit money and to prevent credit card fraud. This event was organised in response to the recent influx of counterfeit money.
Almost 50 Business Owners and staff attended the two presentations, asked advice and took the opportunity to avail of literature and counterfeit detecting pens. Ultra-violet lights were available at cost price.
Ian Mullins from the PSNI Cheque Card Unit informed all present of the scale of the problem in N Ireland with credit card crime now a £5m business and cheque card crime being a £3 million business. The business sector was urged to put in place adequate checks to ensure their staff knew how to check credit cards and if worried to undertake a Code 10 check. A reward of £50 is given to anyone who hands in a fraudulent credit card. Key points highlighted were to ensure that all digits on the card are embossed and that it responds under ultra-violet light. Ian Mullins urged shopkeepers to install and use Chip and Pin technology which assists with minimising improper use of credit cards.
During the afternoon, Geoffrey Allen, Counterfeit Money Consultant showed samples of counterfeit money and informed all present that £140,000 of Counterfeit Money had been collected by the PSNI during recent weeks. He encouraged all businesses to ensure that staff looked for the metallic strip in every note, checked for a watermark, that the print quality was clear and sharp and the print was textured. There should also be a hologram on the foil. He counselled that counterfeit marking pens serve to act as a deterrent, while not being a guarantee in detecting counterfeit money.
All business owners were encouraged to report to the Police in every instance of suspected counterfeit money and credit card crime, and to be extra vigilant in the run up to Christmas.
Cyril Roulston, Vice President, of the Roe Valley Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said that “the event had been very timely and beneficial to the business and retail sector and that further opportunities to work in partnership should be explored so that the business sector is equipped to deal with business crime”
He urged members of the business and retail sector “to avail of the Counterfeit pens, and height markers, and also to purchase the Ultra-violet lights, and that these measures in association with training of staff on counterfeit money and correct checking procedures for credit cards would assist with reducing business crime”.
Counterfeit Marking Pens and Height markers are available upon request from the DPP Manager on 028 777 60300, and Ultra violet lights are available for purchase at £10.00 each from the Crime Prevention Officer, Kenny Ewing or from Town Beat Officer, Ann Louden on 028 777 66797.
7TH NOVEMBER 2005
31st OCTOBER 2005
MEETING IN PUBLIC - LIMAVADY HIGH SCHOOL.
Over 80 people were packed into the Youth Wing of Limavady High School on Wednesday 26th October 2005 for the recent meeting of Limavady District Policing Partnership. Representatives from Limavady Grammar School, Limavady High School, St Mary’s School joined with members of the public and the District Policing Partnership to hear about the role and work of the Police Youth Diversion Scheme and to have the opportunity to ask questions of the Police and the DPP.
Linda McKee, DPP Manager presented an overview of the role of the District Policing Partnership while Paul Robinson, Youth Diversion Officer gave a presentation on the role of the Youth Diversion Scheme. He explained that the Youth Diversion Scheme aims to
- Identify those at risk of offending
- Work with partner Agencies to prevent offending / anti-social behaviour
- Divert offenders from proceeding further into Criminal Justice system
- Reduce likelihood of further offending
- Promote needs of victims and the community
Last year, a total of 556 young people were referred to the Youth Diversion scheme, 326 of whom were referred for causing an offence, while 230 young people were referred for non-offences. Almost half of those referred were for either causing or being the victim of an Offence against the Person. 44 young people were given an informed warning, with 21 receiving a restorative caution.
In response to a question, the Youth Diversion Officer indicated that referrals number to the Youth Diversion Scheme is comparable with other areas with a similar size of town population. The District Commander also outlined plans for youth diversionary activities over the winter months. A member of the DPP said after the meeting, “the figures indicate that the Police take their responsibilities in relation to young people seriously, with referrals for non-offences, being higher than neighbouring areas of either Coleraine or Strabane. This is in line with the District Command Units policy of encouraging parents to know the whereabouts of their children and of the Police being aware of young people who may be at risk of becoming involved, or at risk in terms their personal safety or general wellbeing. This proactive approach is to be commended”.
An interactive voting system was used to hear the views of those present and in particular the young people regarding policing priorities, standards and practices. The DPP plans to use the issues identified to further engage with young people to seek resolution to their policing issues.
24th September 2005
BIKE SAFE
Sam Conley Motorcycles, Limavady organised a very successful BikeSafe event in assocation with Roads Policing Unit. Over 20 bikers undertook an Assessed Outrider Bike Ride with members of the Roads Policing Team. Kenny Ewing, Crime Prevention Officer offered and marked 13 bikes with the unique Smartwater technology with was supplied in assocation with Honda UK. Sam Conley had also secured prizes and names of entrants were entered into a draw. Sam had worked extensively to make the event a success and comments from all present indicated that it was indeed a very profitable day. Sam now hopes to role out this event and to hold another similar event for 125cc bikes at a later stage.
Sam and his team have shown their commitment to making Limavady Borough a safer place.
Jim Patterson entrant and a winner from the draw with Kenny Ewing, Crime Prevention Officer.
22nd September 2005
LIMAVADY FURTHER EDUCATION COLLEGE
Limavady District Policing Partnership and Limavady Police in association with the Limavady Further Education College organised an event to meet with all new residential students to provide an opportunity to ensure that their stay in Limavady is a safe and enjoyable.
Kenny Ewing, Crime Prevention Officer, talked with the students about their property and personal safety. He reminded students to keep an eye on their valuables, especially mobile phones and to be responsible when out socialising and only use legal taxis. He also encouraged students not to leave themselves vulnerable to unwanted attention or attack and each student was provided with a personal attack alarm.
Paul Robinson, Youth Diversion Officer, spoke with the students about drugs and alcohol, their classification and effects. He also took the opportunity to talk about the law relating to drugs and alcohol.
Linda McKee, District Policing Partnership Manager provided each student present with a property marking pen and hologram labels encouraging students to mark their property including mobile phones. Copies of educational leaflets relating to drug and alcohol were all distributed. Everyone was encouraged to report anything suspicious to the police. The opportunity was also used to seek views from students on their policing issues and concerns.
5th September 2005
July 2005
During the last six weeks, Limavady District Policing Partnership has distributed almost 1000 ultra-violet property marking pens, and encouraged people to take responsibility to protect and mark their property.
Over 400 pens were distributed to P7 pupils as part of a campaign to highlight theft of bicycles. Pupils were encouraged to property mark their bicycles with ultra-violet pens, to use a bicycle lock and not to leave their bicycles unattended, especially in gardens overnight. Pupils were also encouraged to teach their parents and grandparents how to mark their property.
Demand for the pens was high at the recently held Agricultural Show where the DPP hosted a stand. The stand provided DPP members the opportunity to meet with a wide section of people, to talk to them about their policing concerns and issues. A questionnaire was distributed and the results will form part of the DPP’s public consultation process. DPP members also encouraged people to mark their property with the ultra-violet pen and demonstrated how to use them. A range of posters from the school poster competition and from the Buzz programme relating to drug and alcohol awareness also were also on display on the DPP stand.
Anyone wishing to complete the questionnaire can request it from the DPP Office on 028 777 60314 or access it on line at www.districtpolicing.com/limavday. Pens are available upon request from the DPP Office on 028 777 60314.
Marie Keown and Nigel McLaughlin, Independent Members of Limavady DPP engaging with the public at the Agricultural Show.
June 2005
BUZZ ANTI-DRUGS CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
June 2005
SCHOOLS KIDS AIM TO REDUCE BICYCLE THEFT BY 50%.
Over 50 bicycles were reported stolen in the Borough last year. Limavady District Policing Partnership has launched a poster competition for P7 school pupils relating to bicycle theft to try and raise awareness of the problem, to encourage marking of bicycles and to avoid opportunistic theft by encouraging use of property marking and bicycle locks.
Representatives of the DPP and the police have visited local primary schools and launched the competition. At the time of the launch, each participating pupil was encouraged to use a bicycle lock and to lock their bicycles up at night. An ultra-violet property marking pen and hologram labels were demonstrated and given to every pupil. Pupils were also encouraged to demonstrate to their relatives how to mark property in their homes and also to record the information which can then be supplied to the Police in the unfortunate case of a domestic burglary.
Prizes will be announced during bicycle safety week which commences June 13, 2005. The pupil with the best poster in each participating school will receive a bicycle lock while every participating child will receive a ‘glow in the dark’ silicon bracelet. There are three bicycles as first prizes – one for the Limavady area, the Dungiven area and the rural area. Roe Valley Cycles have assisted with sponsorship of the prizes.
The Chairman, Leslie Cubitt stated:
“Theft of bicycles is one of the high volume crimes in the Borough. Most of these are preventable and Limavady DPP is raising awareness of the issue and encouraging people to take responsibility for their property. The DPP through a poster competition wants to work with school children and also through distribution of the property marking pens to encourage everyone to property mark their high value items.”
Kenny Ewing, police Crime Prevention Officer said “parents need to help their children use the ultra-violet pen on their bicycles … but also to use the pen to property mark - Televisions, Playstation games, digital cameras, dvd machines and other valuables in the home, not only it is a deterrent to the thief but also assists with returning property to the owner if retrieved by the police”.
Charlie Cromie of Roe Valley Cycles said “that safety is his first priority and that he was delighted to work in partnership with Limavady DPP and the police in promoting bicycle safety and in supplying the prizes for the poster competition”. He continued “it is always concerning to have a child come back to the shop to say that their bicycle has been stolen. We stock a range of bicycle locks and have facilities to stencil-mark bicycles and encourage everyone to buy a lock and the mark the bicycle at time of purchase”.
Leslie Cubitt, Chairman of the DPP, Kenny Ewing Crime Prevention Officer and Charlie Cromie of Roe Valley Cycles.
May 2005
Limavady District Policing Partnership supported the nomination of R/Constable Michael Walker for the category Community Police Officer of the year. The certificate was presented to him by the Chief Constable at an award cermony held in Belfast City Hall, on the 25th May 2005.
The Chairman of Limavady DPP, Leslie Cubitt commented “that the award ceremony reflected a new approach to policing, emphasising community policing, and innovative approaches to engaging with the community. I am delighted to have attended and support the nomination from the police District Command Unit. The nomination was also supported by the Glens Association.”
Councillor Cubitt also commented that “everyone knows Micky, especially in the local community associations of the Glens, Coolesan, Bovally and Josephine Avenue, and feels free to approach him with their concerns. He is well known for running his discos and working in the schools. There is a need for more communities to get to know their local police officers, so that it becomes a two way exchange and communities are encouraged to make contact with the Community Policing Team to see how it can be replicated in their area".
DPP Chairman Leslie Cubitt with R/Constable Michael Walker
May 2005
FIRST NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME
In order to support the Association, the District Policing Partnership presented Tony Bacon as a representative of the Association with a property making kit. Property marking pens for each resident will also be given by the DPP. Neighbourhood Watch Schemes are about being responsible neighbours and watching out for each other, addressing crime and the fear of crime. Further information is available from the DPP or from the Police.
Members of the Glens Association, with Linda McKee, DPP Manager and Acting C/Inpsector Ivan Goldworthy at the presentation of a property marking kit to the first Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Limavady Borough.
April 2005
Limavady District Policing Partnership in association with Limavady District Command Unit has launched an advertisement campaign, using local Translink buses. The campaign relates to the growing incidence of criminal damage, primarily damage to cars and broken windowns. Criminal Damage now accounts for 35% of all crime in the Borough. The message is that together criminal damage can be stopped, and that all members of the public are encouraged to report anything suspicious to the police. The advertisements will run for the month of April 2005.
MAY 2005
Press Release issued following meeting in the Gorteen House Hotel, May 2005.
JANUARY 2005
DPP supports Hands that Talk to work with the police.
