Councillor Hugh Gallagher appeals to PSNI to listen to residents.
SDLP Councillor Hugh Gallagher has appealed to the PSNI to listen residents in the area following increase in criminal acts across Slieve Croob District Electoral Area.
He raised the issues at a recent meeting of the Policing and Community Safety Partnership.
Cllr Gallagher said: “As the SDLP representative on PCSP board, I was keen to raise the concerns of local residents in the Slieve Croob area following an increase in criminal activity across the area.
“In recent weeks we have seen a spate of car break-ins in Annsborough, an increase in death driving incidents and further reports of anti-social behaviour in both Castlewellan and Ballynahinch.
“I also raised concerns about the increase of drug use which will require a multiagency approach to tackle this scourge on our communities.
“The call from those I have spoken to on the ground is simple, we require more visible community policing in the area.
“It is unacceptable that residents should have to ask for what should be a basic policing service.”
“We are living through a very challenging time and at the very least everyone should feel safe and secure within their own communities.
“The PSNI must step up and reassure local people that they are doing all they can to make our communities safe.
“It is imperative that those engaged in these criminal acts are apprehended. I would urge local people to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to the PSNI.”
