Crime in Newtownabbey has been reduced by 4%, according to the latest policing figures.

The annual crime figures for 2009/10 show a reduction of 182 crimes (4%) compared to 2008/09. During 2009/10, a total of 281 (7.4%) more crimes were cleared than in 2008/09.

In Newtownabbey, offences against the person (assaults) have reduced by some 12.2% (126 incidents), robberies by 19.0% (11 incidents) and vehicle crime by 20.4% (52 incidents).

There has been a significant increase in the number of drugs searches carried out during this financial year and this has led to a 60.4% (29 incidents) increase in the number of drugs offences detected. This proactive approach is also demonstrated by a detection rate for drugs offences of 90.9%.

Overall clearance rates are 24.6% in D District (up 3.2% from the previous year) and 23.6% in the Newtownabbey area — an improvement of 7.4% and showing Newtownabbey area to have the highest increase in clearance rates in D District this year and the second highest increase in the PSNI overall.

Commenting on the figures Newtownabbey District Policing Partnership (DPP) chairman, Councillor Fraser Agnew said: “These figures are encouraging and for Chief Inspector Paula Hilman to manage to reduce crime by 4% and at the same time increase the detection rate to about 24% has to be recognised as good news for the borough.

“Last year the DPP had expressed concerns about the number of offenders being brought to book so I have to acknowledge the significant effort that has been made to improve this situation.

“The DPP also asked the Commander to look at the problem of drug abuse and it is good to see that increased searches have resulted in more drugs being taken off the streets.”

He added: “There are however concerns regarding the level of anti-social behaviour throughout the borough and this remains a challenge for the police.

“However I would point out that the answer to this blight in our borough does not rest with the police alone.

“In the bigger scale of things most young people act responsibly but there are a number who show that they have no respect for people or their property. I would appeal once again to parents to really take an interest in where their young people are, especially in the evenings and what they get up to.”

PSNI Area Commander Chief Inspector Paula Hilman said officers have worked hard to reduce crime and improve their detection rates.

She said: “At the launch of the Policing Plan in April 2009 I gave a commitment that we needed to improve on the clearance rate and the number of crimes detected in Newtownabbey.

“We have delivered on that commitment.

“I am extremely pleased that the efforts of my officers are reflected in the annual figures.

“The clearance rate for sectarian crimes shows an increase of 12.1% and the clearance rate for crimes with a domestic motivation increased from 36.7% in 2008/09 to 49% during 2009/10 (+12.4%).

“I can further report that a local target, ‘To reduce the number of crimes with a racial motivation’, was also met. The number of these crimes fell by 50% from 54 crimes in 2008/09 to 27 crimes during 2010/10.

“We have, throughout this financial year, endeavoured to impact on quality of life issues by improving service delivery and enhancing visibility on the streets. During 2009/10 I have demonstrated my commitment to proactive community-based policing by increasing the number of officers in each of our four Neighbourhood Teams.

“Despite our best efforts, anti–social behaviour increased by 3.45% during the financial year. We remain firmly committed to working closely with Newtownabbey District Policing Partnership, councillors, public representatives, statutory agencies, voluntary groups and residents to tackle this issue and to deal robustly with anyone detected engaging in such activity. I would appeal to the minority of young people involved in this type of behaviour to consider the consequences of their actions.

“My officers and I remain fully committed to the people of Newtownabbey and will meet the challenges in the year ahead with determination and vigour. We are also committed to further evolve our partnership working within the community to tackle crime, the fear of crime and to provide reassurance to the community we serve.”