19 May 2009

Press Release

PSNI must re-focus victims needs - Cree

Ulster Unionist MLA and Policing Board member Leslie Cree has welcomed the concerted action that the PSNI is taking against burglars in the North Down area and that this has resulted in a reduction in the number of domestic burglaries in 2008-09. However, Mr. Cree would urge that the PSNI also focuses on the victims of domestic burglary and encourages the police to better their communication strategy with victims.

Highlighting the needs of victims in our community Mr. Cree said, "Domestic burglary is a real personal intrusion which can be made all the worse by ill-thought through procedure or even a lack of procedure on how to liaise with victims of domestic burglary. It would appear to me that there is no substantive communication policy between police and victims in place at the present time.

"The police service need to get their act together and ensure that focus is not solely on the burglar but that the victims are and feel updated on the progression of their case and the recovery of their property.

"I understand that police officers are busy moving from crime to crime, incident to incident but I would call upon the police in North Down to seriously and urgently critique their current policy. I would hope to see victims less side-lined during police investigations in the near future."

Ends

NOTES TO EDITOR
April 07 – March 08 – 235 domestic burglaries in North Down
April 08 – march 09 – 225 domestic burglaries in North Down
Reduction: 10