The PSNI in east Belfast has received high praise from members of the area’s District Policing Partnership (DPP) sub group.

The latest six monthly report — presented by out-going Area Commander, Chief Inspector John McKeag, on November 24 — revealed a number of successes in local policing.

He said: “The current economic climate continues to provide challenges for the police in trying to tackle crime. We will continue to target resources at areas and crimes where the community is most at risk.”

But following the report, Councillor Gerard O’Neill warned his DPP colleagues to “keep up the pressure”, ensuring the good results continue.

He said: “I think we do have to acknowledge the good work of the police and the fact that they are delivering at the minute. But I also think it is our job as a DPP to keep up the pressure and not take our eye off the ball.”

The latest report shows the number of recorded crimes has dropped by 6.6 percent, a drop of 177 incidents on the same period last year.

The level of violent crime in the area has also fallen, dropping by 2.6 percent on the same period last year.

One of the biggest successes came in a reduction in the number of anti-social behavioural incidents, dropping by 14.4 percent — a reduction of 327 incidents.

Acting as chair of the meeting, Chris Lyttle thanked the PSNI for a “clear and successful report”.

He added: “It is good to see violent crime (levels) showing improvement.”

This view was echoed by Councillor Jim Rodgers. He said: “As a DPP we have been very critical of the PSNI and its daily work, so it is only right to give them praise where it is due.”

But Councillor Wallace Brown said that despite the success on paper “there is a perception that crime is on the increase”, and attributed this to recent attacks on the elderly.

Chief Inspector McKeag replied: “Sometimes the fear of crime can almost be worse. We send out neighbourhood teams, to provide a visible presence on the ground. We also urge people to report anything suspicious.”

Chief Inspector McKeag, who is moving to operations in east Belfast, will be succeeded by Chief Inspector Yvonne Davidson.

Meeting updated on interface charges

Chief Inspector McKeag again enforced that his team is “pro-active” when it comes to tackling interface violence.

He told the meeting that at the end of April, 71 people had been reported or charged, with a further 22 arrested by the end of August.

In relation to violence that followed a rally marking the closure of Mountpottinger Police Station, 22 people have been charged or reported for public order offences.

DPP questions answered

Victoria Councillor Jim Rodgers enquired about reports of stealing, as theft has risen by 109 incidents.

Chief Inspector McKeag said: “It is not just one type of person who steals. With the recession, people are reporting even the smallest of thefts, many of which went unreported before.”

Councillor Rodgers also asked for an update on the incident at Kingsdale park in October, when a bomb was placed under the passenger seat of a car injuring a police officer’s girlfriend.

Chief Inspector McKeag replied: “This falls under the remit of the major investigations team. I cannot comment anymore than that.”

Councillor Gerard O’Neill raised the issue of underage drinking and drug taking among young people and asked if the PSNI had a plan for the Christmas period.

Chief Inspector McKeag answered: “This is an issue we are always working on. If we have information someone is selling to underage youths we will set up a guest purchasing situation. This means we will dispatch a youth to that person or place to record if alcohol is sold to them.”

John Collins, a member of the public attending, asked if it would be possible for a young police officer to come to a future meeting and detail his daily routine.

Chief Inspector McKeag said: “This is a great idea and something we could set up for a future meeting.”