Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter Edition 12 – Summer 2021
making Mid & East Antrim safer
FOREWORD from Mid and East Antrim Policing and Community Safety Partnership Chairperson, Councillor Danny Donnelly.
Welcome to our 12th edition of the Mid and East Antrim Neighbourhood Watch newsletter. I, like most of you, had hoped, that as we entered into 2021, we would see the challenges we faced throughout 2020 lessen. The restrictions have been difficult but essential. We must all play our part in reducing the demand and pressure on our Health system. The resilience of the Mid and East Antrim community has been immense throughout the past year. I continue to see and hear about everyday acts of kindness from both friends and strangers, which really foster a positive community spirit helping each other through this difficult time. Schemes such as neighbourhood watch have been instrumental in helping to prevent further isolation whilst also providing support and advice to help prevent crime and, for that, I am thankful. Unfortunately, I have heard of many scams this year where unscrupulous individuals have used the COVID crisis as an opportunity to steal money and identities where they can, However,
I am in no doubt that, by sharing crime prevention advice and making others aware of such scams, many criminals have been prevented from prospering. I would encourage everyone to help reduce crimes like these by familiarising themselves with crime prevention advice via the PCSP facebook page, by talking to our local crime prevention officer, and by taking the advice of organisations such as the ScamwiseNI partnership. In 2021, the PCSP have planned several initiatives to take forward in the next year. These include initiatives to help make young people safer, support for older and vulnerable individuals as well as community groups to address fear of crime, working with Women’s Aid to help address societal abuse, and also to help support vulnerable people through the use of a multiagency support hub. These are just a few ways that the Partnership are working to make the Mid and East Antrim Borough safer. This action plan will build on previous good work, as well focusing
on the development of new projects. You will see at the back of this edition a list of useful contacts, including how to contact the PCSP. Please do not hesitate to make contact if you wish to find out more about the work of the Partnership or if you have any concerns you wish to raise. Best Wishes and Stay Safe! Cllr Danny Donnelly
When a Tradesperson or Stranger comes to your door:
X X X X X X X X
NEVER answer the font door without ensuring the back door is locked. NEVER allow people into your house if you are not expecting them. NEVER give them access to parts of your house or property that they do not need to be in.
NEVER pay in cash or make cheques out to cash.
NEVER let them take you to a financial institution to withdraw cash. NEVER accept anything other than a written quotation for any work. NEVER accept any increase to a price that has already been agreed on a written quotation. NEVER accept the word of a doorstep caller that your house needs “urgent repairs”.
If you believe you have been scammed by a bogus caller, call the PSNI on 101. In an emergency, always use 999.
Ending the Harm illegal money lending public awareness campaign The NI Executive Programme for Tackling Paramilitarism, Criminality and Organised Crime have developed a new public awareness campaign, as part of the long-running ‘Ending the Harm’ series, to raise awareness on the issue of illegal money lending and how paramilitary gangs use this to coerce and control vulnerable people. In support of the paid-for media campaign, which will run across TV, radio, outdoor advertising and social media (Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook), a short social media plan for our programme Twitter account (@endingtheharm) will complement the campaign and promote the key messages.
The overall campaign aims are: • To transform the acceptability and normalisation of paramilitary control (financial control) in the communities into rejection; • Prevent people from allowing a situation to spiral, showing how it causes extreme psychological, social, and physical harm. The campaign will use messaging about who the illegal money lenders are, their distinct connection to paramilitary gangs, and the physical and psychological harm inflicted on vulnerable victims. To highlight the reality behind paramilitary financial control, the campaign will showcase the detrimental effects
of missed payments on a borrower, in this case a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet. Thus, the campaign will aim to target this demographic through online and offline advertising techniques in addition to other vulnerable adults. This focuses on paramilitary control, that it is both exploitation of communities, and vulnerable people for personal gain. The campaign will signpost the audience to visit the campaign website, www.endingtheharm.com, to access the campaign materials, information on why this campaign matters, real-life stories, advice on debt, mental health support, and the Programme.
Mid and East Antrim welcomes its first ‘Chatty Bench’
Mid and East Antrim’s Loneliness Network are thrilled to launch its first ‘Chatty Bench’ in the borough. Located in the beautiful surroundings of Shaftsbury Park, Carrickfergus, just off the Marine Highway, this brightly painted yellow bench has been introduced to provide a place for people to come together to have a chat. Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “The ‘Chatty Benches’ initiative is one of many that aims to engage people in activities to minimise their sense of isolation. “The ethos behind it is to encourage anyone who wants to engage in conversation with someone to sit down on the bench and
just have a chat. There is also a plaque on the bench with a unique QR code on it, which residents can scan to access information on the Loneliness Network. “I am delighted to see the bench placed in my home town of Carrickfergus and look ahead with anticipation for others to follow in the Larne and Ballymena areas soon.” Sabrina Lynn from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust says: “One in three people in Northern Ireland are likely to experience feelings of loneliness in their lifetime (NISRA). Throughout this difficult year of lockdown, isolation, and restrictions on our social activities, human contact has been limited, which has impacted upon our mental
health. The challenges the pandemic has created in terms of creating loneliness in communities is something that the Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network aims to tackle. “ Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network Chairperson Marjorie Hawkins said: “We recognise that everyone is likely to experience some feelings of loneliness in their lifetime. Often seen as a problem faced traditionally by older people, loneliness is a different kind of pandemic that is also nondiscriminatory and can be detrimental to many lives. Tackling this is a mission that we are deeply committed to.” Yvonne Carson, Thematic Lead for Loneliness, Northern Health and Social Care Trust stated: “Chatty Benches are designed to help tackle loneliness and support positive mental health within the community. We hope this ‘Chatty Bench’ will be seen as a place for people to come together to chat and connect.”
Stay safe on the roads this summer
Be aware of fraudsters claiming to be police Police are urging people to be extra vigilant after reports of fraudsters posing as officers to request money from potential victims.
As we head into the summer months, the public are being warned to stop speeding, pay greater attention to the road and their surroundings, and to leave their mobile phone alone, whether driving, cycling or even crossing the road. Inspector Aaron Brown explains: “Inattention and speed or, more accurately, excessive speed for the conditions, and drink or drug driving, are consistently the principal causes of the most serious road traffic collisions in which people are killed or seriously injured on roads across Northern Ireland. “Pedestrians must pay attention to their environment, whether that means not getting distracted by friends or mobile devices,
and being especially careful when walking on country roads by walking against the traffic flow or by wearing highly visible clothing. “With the better weather, we are also particularly mindful of more motorcyclists taking to the roads, so we’re encouraging bikers to ensure their motorcycles and safety equipment are in good working order, that they ride defensively and, if they haven’t already done so, consider booking an assessment session on our Bikesafe programme. In addition, all road users need to be conscious of greater numbers of motorcyclists using the road network. “Cyclists need to remember they are amongst the most vulnerable road users, so
they must ensure they’re wearing a helmet, using front and rear lights, and not listening to music players. At the same time, I’ve witnessed some drivers who have narrowly avoided injuring cyclists by driving too close or, through frustration, attempted downright dangerous overtaking manoeuvres putting themselves and others at huge risk. “We make no excuse for robustly enforcing the law to make Northern Ireland’s roads safer and that’s exactly what we will be doing in the months ahead. All road users must share the responsibility to prevent deaths and injuries on our roads.”
In one recent incident, an older woman was contacted multiple times, both on her landline and mobile by a man claiming to be an officer with the Police Service of Northern Ireland. He urged her to withdraw a substantial sum of money from her bank and questioned her about any money kept in her property. Thankfully, the victim realised that the caller was trying to scam her and contacted family who reported the incident to police.
Other recent reports relate to incidents across Northern Ireland where residents state that they have been contacted by people purporting to be police officers who have asked them to hand over bank details, jewellery, and other valuables for apparent safe-keeping. Crime Prevention Officer Paul Black said: “There has been a significant increase in the number of similar scams reported to police recently and, unfortunately, some of them have resulted in members of the public losing large sums of money. We are stressing that police will never call you and ask for cash, bank details or valuable possessions.
“It is vital people remember this to prevent any further cases happening. If you get a similar call, please put the phone down and report the call to us via our 101 system. Never disclose your personal or banking details to anyone over the phone or online, no matter how convincing they may seem, and never allow an unauthorised person to have access to such details. “It is important to remember that anyone of any age can fall victim to a scam, but if you have older or vulnerable family, friends or neighbours, please pass this important information on to them as well.”
‘Close it, Lock it, Check it’ this summer
Police in Mid and East Antrim are asking residents to make home security part of their daily routine as part of efforts to reduce and prevent burglaries. Chief Inspector Stephen Murray said: “There are three things everyone can do to help us prevent more people from becoming victims of burglary. “Firstly, make sure to close, lock, and check all windows and doors before you leave the house or go to bed. Get
into the habit of doing this every day and make sure to get everyone in the house involved. The more you make this part of your daily routine, the less chance you have of being targeted by opportunistic burglars. “Secondly, if you see something on your street or in your neighbourhood that doesn’t look right, then let us know. Don’t wait. Pick up the phone and give us the information as soon as you can. We have caught burglars in the act because someone called us straightaway. We
have stopped vans with stolen goods on-board because someone called us straightaway. The sooner we know, the faster we can respond and the safer your neighbourhood will be. “Lastly, make it your business to check in on an older neighbour or family member. Sadly, burglars will target those who are more vulnerable in our community so, if you know someone who lives on their own, then please make contact in whatever way you can. “We have lots of information on home security on our website (www.psni.police. uk) and our crime prevention officer is available to provide further assistance via our non-emergency number 101. We also work closely with our Policing and Community Partnership and Neighbourhood Watch partners to ensure that advice and support is available to all our residents.”
Helping to Stop the Scammers Libraries NI is running a week of online events from the 7 to 11 June to provide essential help and support for people who want to protect themselves from the increasing risk of modern day scams. Scams are now widespread across Northern Ireland and, with more people working from home due to the pandemic, the level of scam activity is on the increase. Scams can impact everyone, targeting people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels, with older and retired people being particularly vulnerable. The impact of scams is often financial, alongside a major loss of confidence and psychological trauma. To help support customers in communities, Libraries NI will be working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Allstate, and Danske Bank to deliver a programme of Zoom events to provide essential advice as well as opportunities for question and answer sessions. Paul Kelly, Libraries NI Senior Information and Services Learning Manager, said; “During lockdown, as part
of our ongoing IT training sessions, scams were frequently mentioned by customers to staff as an ongoing area of concern. Our Digital Team members were often upset by the trauma that some customers had experienced so I am delighted that these events will provide another opportunity for people to learn how to identify scams, and I am grateful for staff from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Allstate, and Danske Bank for adding their level of expertise.” Chair of the Scamwise NI Partnership, Superintendent Gerard Pollock said; “We are pleased to support the Libraries NI event by hosting a talk about scams as the threat of fraud, both online and offline, against the public is an important priority for us. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in the number of scams reported to us over recent months and they are becoming more and more sophisticated. “We look forward to making people aware of the different scams that exist and how to avoid falling victim to them. If you would like to learn more about scams or have a family
member or friend that would benefit from joining the talk, please register online for free.” For any person struggling with technology or not familiar with using Zoom, simply call the Libraries NI Digital team on 028 9039 5989 (Mon - Fri 9:15am - 4:45pm) with a brief description of how you need IT help, and library staff will phone you within 48 hours with free and helpful advice.
Your PCSP members
Chris Mcllroy
Sergeant
Neighbourhood Policing Team Carrick/ Larne
Carrick
07787224732
Chris.Mcllroy@psni.pnn.police.uk
10 Elected Members
9 Independent Members
7 Statutory Partners
Tony McClelland
Sergeant
Neighbourhood Policing Team Carrick/ Larne
Carrick
07827925770
Daniel.mcclelland@psni.pnn. police.uk
Ald Gregg McKeen
Mary Watson (Vice Chair)
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Michelle McKillop
Sergeant
Neighbourhood Policing Team Ballymena
Ballymena
07585703099
Michelle.adams@psni.pnn. police.uk
Ald John Carson
Marjorie Hawkins
Police Service in Northern Probation Board
Stephen Rainey
Sergeant
Community Planning Sergeant
Ballymena
02825667277
stephen.rainey2@psni.pnn. police.uk
Cllr Andrew Wilson
Brenda Leslie
Youth Justice Agency
Cllr Lauren Gray
Wendy Kerr
Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Cllr Timothy Gaston
Thomas (Lexie) Scott
Education Authority
Cllr Thomas Gordon
Norman Hamilton
Community Planning Sergeant
Mid and East Antrim PCSP contact details
Cllr Cheryl Johnston
Sharon Maxwell
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service
Contact the PCSP staff by phone, email, or call into the office:
Cllr John McDermott
Gillian Gordon
Cllr Danny Donnelly (Chair)
80 Galgorm Road Ballymena County Antrim BT42 1AB Tel: 028 93 358311 Email: pcsp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Charlene Thompson
Cllr Marc Collins
PSNI Contact Details Name
Rank
Role
Station
Mobile
Beverlie Reid
Inspector
Neighbourhood Police Team Ballymena
Ballymena
07780110529
Beverlie.reid@psni.pnn.police.uk
Colin Ash
Inspector
Neighbourhood Police Team Larne and Carrick
Carrick
07557261796
colin.ash@psni.pnn.police.uk
Simon Coupland
Sergeant
Neighbourhood Policing Team Carrick/ Larne
Carrick
0791739043
simon.coupland@psni.pnn. police.uk
In an emergency call 999 PSNI non-emergency number 101 • • • •
•
Victim Support: 028 2563 0784 Crime Stoppers: 0800 555 111 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Violence helpline: 0808 802 1414 Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey (ABCLN) Women’s Aid: 028 2563 2136 Crime Prevention Officer Stuart Willkie: 07500036996 / Ext 86008 / phone 101
This newsletter is supported by the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Department of Justice. With thanks to PSNI, Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch for providing information for this leaflet.
making Mid & East Antrim safer