Sam Cordner the PSNI Commander for E District, which includes Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon and Newry and Mourne has thanked the wider Newry community for their continued support of policing in the last year.
In a Christmas message Chief Superintendent Sam Cordner praised the public for their contribution and help in fighting crime.
He said " With Christmas almost upon us, and a new year just around the corner, as PSNI Commander for E District I want to take this opportunity to thank you the members of this community for your support throughout 2013. Next year, we will again be calling on you to work with us as partners in the fight against crime.
"I and the officers and staff attached to E District would like to wish everyone who lives and works in the district a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the continuing and growing widespread community support which has assisted us in disrupting criminal activity and helped us to address other issues, such as anti-social behaviour and burglary - issues that affect the quality of peoples’ lives. I look forward to building on that support in 2014 and, through the commitment and professionalism of my officers working in partnership with the community, hope to make Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon and Newry and Mourne safer places for everyone.
"Christmas is a busy time of year for everyone, including the criminal, so don’t let them cash in on your Christmas. Policing never stops and my officers will, as usual, be working through the holidays but I would ask you to help them by taking some simple precautions. Don't make your home an easy or an attractive target. Always lock doors and windows and where possible, don’t leave presents on view in your home nor indeed in your car.
"Finally I would like to say to all those who will be socialising in the district over the festive period, by all means enjoy yourself, but please act responsibly, consider other people and make sure you and your friends plan your journey to get home safe. If you are having a drink, don’t drink and drive.
"I want to wish everyone a very happy Christmas, and a peaceful and prosperous new year. Now, more than ever, we need to work together to meet the challenges of 2014 and beyond.
Police in Newry and Mourne are concerned about the whereabouts of missing teenager Hong Tran.
16 year old Hong Tran is a Vietnamese National and has limited English. He was last seen in the Kilkeel area on the morning of Saturday, 7 December. It is believed he was attempting to travel to Dundalk.
He is described as being 163cm tall and of slight build with black hair. When last seen he was wearing black chinos, a black quilted jacket, a grey, long sleeved top and black shoes.
Police are appealing to Hong Tran or anyone who knows of his whereabouts to contact them in Kilkeel on 0845 600 8000.
A new Mobile App has been launched by the PSNI which will enable members of the public to access contact information for officers much easier.
The app, which is free and available to download from the Apple store, will help forge closer links between local Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the communities they serve.
Using geo-location technology the PSNI app allows members of the public to access contact information for local officers at the touch of a button, and accurately pinpoint the locations of operational police stations across Northern Ireland.
Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris said “The use of new technologies to support community policing is something the PSNI has been heavily involved in since the inception of our social networking pages on Twitter, Facebook and through the PSNI YouTube channel. The PSNI app is our latest tool to help strengthen the working relationship between police officers and the public.” said the assistant chief constable.
“While the PSNI app is not for reporting emergencies, it gives the user instant access to the contact information they need if they want to discuss issues affecting their community with the relevant Neighbourhood Policing Team. It also helps them discover what proactive work these teams are doing in their local area, with an up-to-date newsfeed.” said ACC Harris.
“Crime in Northern Ireland is at an all-time low but criminals still operate. The PSNI app contains key information on how to report crime and will help members of the community access important advice on crime prevention and personal safety.” he said.
“Along with providing a view of our corporate Twitter, Facebook and YouTube feeds, the app will also prove useful for those planning their journey by providing access to traffic and travel updates.” he said.
Police in Newry are appealing for information following two burglaries overnight between Friday, 6 December and Saturday morning, 7 December.
Entry was forced to a house in Kilvarragh and an Apple laptop taken. In the second incident entry was gained to a house in Edencrieve and an Ipad, Louis Vuitton handbag and sum of cash were taken.
Police are appealing to anyone who has information in relation to these burglaries to contact them in Newry on 0845 600 8000. If you prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Following two more thefts from cars last week Police are reminding the public that thieves are opportunistic and unattended cars can often look like an attractive prospect to criminals. We do not want anyone to fall prey to this type of crime and would urge all motorists to take steps to protect your car and valuables.
At approximately 8.15pm on Thursday, 5 December a silver Mercedes jeep was broken into at Damolly Retail Park. Police are keen to speak to the occupants of a blue hatchback car, seen in the area and also any person who may have noticed a burgundy Fiat vehicle bearing Southern registration plates 02-D-61290.
In the second incident a car, parking at Karting premises in Greenbank Industrial Estate, was broken into around 9.05pm. Police are also keen to hear from anyone who may have observed a number of males in the area who left in a burgundy Fiat, registration 02-D-61290.
Police in Newry can be contacted on 0845 600 8000. If you prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Tips:
Don't make it easy for thieves - remove all valuables, such as handbags, wallets, CD players, laptops, Sat Navs and phones from view. Lock valuable items in the boot and remove the face plate from your in-car stereo system. In a number of these incidents the thief is going straight for the glove box so avoid storing your valuables here - where possible, keep your wallet, purse, cash or phone on your person.
Ensure your vehicle is locked and all windows and sun roofs secure. Improving your car’s security features such as alarms, prominent VIN number markings, immobilisers and tracking devices can also help protect your vehicle.
It only takes a matter of seconds to break into a car so it is vitally important that the public promptly report any suspicious activity they notice near vehicles or when a car alarm has been activated. This will help to deter and help us detect those involved in this type of crime.
Police in Newry have arrested a 32 year old male following a robbery in the Mall area.
Around 2.45pm on Friday the 29th of November, a 48 year old male was assaulted by another male who made off with cash and a perfume gift set.
The assailant then attended a local chemist and attempted to return the gift set in exchange for money. He was arrested a short time later.
The 32 year old was later released on bail pending further enquiries.
Police would appeal to anyone who has information in relation to this incident to contact them on 0845 600 8000. If you prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police in Ardmore are appealing for information following the report of theft in the Forest Hills area of Newry.
Some time between Saturday 16 November and Saturday 23 November thieves removed a central heating system from a shed in the garden of the property. This would have taken some considerable time to do.
Police would ask anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area between these dates or who has any information to contact Police at Ardmore on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111
Police have arrested a 46 year old man after 40 cannabis plants were discovered in an outside shed at premises in Edward Street in Newry.
Officers from E District's Tactical Crime Team conducted a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act yesterday morning, 3rd of December.
The man was released on bail pending further enquiries.
Police in Newry are investigating a number of incidents which occurred on the evening of Sunday 29th November in which parked vehicles were broken into. Between 5.20pm & 5.40pm a blue Ford Mondeo which was parked on Monaghan Street had the front passenger window smashed and entry gained. Nothing is believed to have been taken. At around the same time a black Vauxhall Corsa van had a window smashed at a car park at Bagnalls Retail Park and an Ipad stolen. A third vehicle, a white Citroen van, was broken into at a car park at a sports centre in Patrick Street between 5.40pm & 7pm. Again, a search of the vehicle was carried out by the culprit but nothing is reported to have been taken.
Police are also appealing for information following the report of criminal damage to a car in the Merchant's Quay area in the early hours of Sunday 24th November. It is believed that at sometime between midnight and 1am the rear passenger side window of a parked blue Toyota Yaris was smashed.
Police would ask anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity or who has any information about these incidents to contact them in Newry on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111