Write a commentAs a result of the recent Police and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) meeting which included in the attendance the PSNI, PCSP members, voluntary Agencies and Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady, people from various estates within the Cloughreagh/Derramore community have put their names forward to enlist in Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.
Slieve Gullion, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew speaking after the meeting she hosted in Cloughreagh commented that whilst recent criminal activity in the locality had heightened the fears of many, she felt sure that the incidents had also helped bring neighbours together to create stronger friendly and more active communities.
"The recent wave of serious criminal attacks on people's homes and properties, whilst increasing fears and concern for all, particularly our most vulnerable, also has motivated many within those communities under attack from these callous thieves to come together not only to deter these criminals but to help create stronger, active communities.
Hopefully with the support of the PCSP, the PSNI and other appropriate agencies this will happen and we will have a scenario where Crime and anti social behaviour are less likely to happen" said the Sinn Féin elected representative who continued
"The PCSP and PSNI in particular should be under no illusion that they have quite a way to go to convince people that they are focused on and committed to tackling and apprehending those engaged in these dastardly crimes. What we want to witness is efficient, effective policing, working in partnership with communities, showing leadership and commitment in the battle against crime".
Mickey Brady MP who also attended the meeting said that the support for Neighbourhood Watch initiatives throughout the area was a positive and practical move. I commend Roisin and all who over the past while have stepped up to the plate by showing leadership within our communities as a reaction to the onslaught of criminal attack on homes and properties. I am sure the setting up of Neighbourhood Watch Groups will provide a firmer deterrent against crime and also create an awareness about the issues involved.
Neighbourhood Watch schemes can make a real difference to people’s lives, and can help people to feel safer in their homes. They are an effective example of communities coming together to prevent crime, and vandalism, reduce fear of crime and generally improve the quality of life of those in that area"
