Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter - Edition 11 - Spring 2021

Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter Edition 11 – Spring 2021 FOREWORD from Mid and East Antrim Policing and Community Safety Partnership Chairperson, Councillor John McDermott Welcome to this Spring edition of the Mid and East Antrim PCSP neighbourhood watch newsletter.

I have been so encouraged to see how communities have come together during the two lockdowns whether it be through delivering groceries or prescriptions, making contact with people feeling lonely and isolated or providing a listening ear to those worrying or grieving for their loved ones. Community groups, volunteers and Neighbourhood Watch

Schemes have shown such resilience and compassion during this unprecedented time it really shows what makes communities special.

We all hope to see an end to this ongoing pandemic crisis however, I would urge each and every one of you to continue the excellent work by maintaining social distances and supporting each other in a safe manner. The Policing and Community Safety Partnership is no different to other organisations. We are constantly adapting and

making Mid & East Antrim safer

changing to the current situation but we are still here if you need us. Take the time to read and share the information provided within this newsletter as it may help you, your friends, families and neighbours to stay safe. You will see a list of useful contact details at the back of this edition please do not hesitate to make contact if and when required.

Take care and stay safe Cllr John McDermott

PCSP Community Safety Wardens – contract renewed for its final year extension (of three years) The Mid and East Antrim Community Safety Warden Scheme addresses key elements of the PCSP Action Plan in delivering an additional community resource with the capacity to assist with low level crime and anti-social behaviour.

Wardens have been able to detect and assist on a wide range of issues including youth problems, drugs abuse, general safety problems, graffiti, litter, dog fouling.

Before and after photos of Graffiti removal identified

by Community Safety in Larne.

Police in Ballymena say crime and the fear of crime are issues that “severely affect people’s quality and enjoyment of life” and wardens help to keep people safe when they are out and about and provide a visible presence.

As evidenced in recent surveys, the wardens have also addressed the fear of crime and have been a reassuring presence both in the community sector and the business sector.

The three Mid and East Antrim Community safety wardens work in partnership with PSNI, NIHE and Council plus other community and voluntary groups to reduce the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour through identification of hotspots and local intervention initiatives.

Recent issues identified and resolved include graffiti identification and removal, anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood disputes and criminal damage to fences and property.

have already been running a similar scheme successfully in Ballymena since 2012.

PSNI find the wardens an invaluable resource to call upon, which frees officers to deal with more serious crime.

The Community Safety Wardens project is funded by the NI Housing Executive and the PCSP and is managed

by Ballymena Retailers Against Crime (BRAC) who

Mid and East Antrim PCSP has renewed the contract with Ballymena Retailers Against Crime (BRAC) who employ three Community Safety Wardens for the borough.

This is a well-established good practice project which has been in running in the borough since 2012.

Mid and East Antrim PCSP is instrumental in ensuring the scheme is fully funded through joint working between PCSP and NI Housing Executive. The PCSP has appointed BRAC to manage this scheme and also work with the following agencies: • Northern Ireland Housing Executive • MEA Council Environmental Health Department • NIHE Tenants Community Forums • Neighbourhood Watch • Community Associations • Ballymena BID Co. The Community Safety Warden project meets the following objectives: • Tackling anti-social behaviour. The wardens have dealt with over 200 incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour each financial year. These have included issues with young people hanging around areas and engaging in under-age drinking. The wardens approach is to liaise with the young people in a

positive way, provide education and direction in order to remove the issue from the locality. Over 100 litter incidents have also been dealt with every year. Where Anti-Social Behaviour is reported, targeted patrolling by the wardens is introduced.

• Tackling crime. The wardens regularly reports vandalism/graffiti in communities and has been highly influential through their reports in getting repair work carried out promptly for example in play areas.

• Tackling fear of crime.

Feedback regarding the Warden scheme has been exclusively positive.

On several occasions, the wardens have been able to assist vulnerable individuals in ways which have enhanced their feeling of security. The wardens have also helped with the completion of surveys measuring fear of crime levels and results of these can are positive and are available.

• The experience of the PCSP is that in the current climate of diminishing police resources the wardens provide a visible presence, which helps to build community confidence and provide reassurance. The wardens can also distribute leaflets; information sheets etc that can help provide advice and guidance to the community on relevant issues.

• Ensuring local solutions.

On several occasions, it is through the identification of an issue by the Community Safety Wardens that the inspiration has come for action to identify local solutions.

Make uni days the best days Recently Mid and East Antrim PCSP independent member Lexie Scott praised the response of the Community Safety Wardens to an issue of Anti-Social Behaviour in Broughshane at a recent PCSP meeting. This issue involved an elderly resident and a group of 10-12 young people. The resident was in a severely agitated state after suffering the effects of Anti-Social Behaviour.

The warden for the area managed to engage with three teenagers close to the property receiving the trouble. This put an end to the problem.

Lexie Scott said: Anti-social behaviour has a significant impact on some of the most vulnerable in our community. The Mid and East Antrim Community Safety wardens are a useful first tool when dealing with this. Perhaps one of the most important aspects that they have is to give people reassurance that their concerns are being taken seriously.

Also recently broken fencing was reported by the Community Safety Warden at the Windmill area of Carrickfergus. This was allowing young people to trespass on property and light fires. Due to partnership working between the PCSP and NI Housing Executive Maintenance Officers for the area and Land & Regeneration Team the fence has been replaced and the issue resolved.

Mairead Myles Davey, from the Housing Executive said: The Community Safety Wardens have forged close links with the Housing Executive Neighbourhood Officers in all three areas in order to identify and resolve low level anti-social behaviour at the earliest possible opportunity. They also provide a reassuring and visible presence in the areas.

Third level study will look a bit different this year due to Covid 19 and the related Health Protection Regulations.

It is more important than ever that all students take steps to keep themselves and others safe.

If you are living away from home you must familiarise yourself with the Health Protection Regulations and ensure you adhere to them.

With recent changes to the regulations, there should be no mixing of different households indoors (consult the regulations for exemptions). A house of multiple occupancy with different residents, renting different rooms, is considered one household.

If you visit another student house, you should be aware that a maximum of six people from two

different households could gather outdoors at a private dwelling whilst maintaining social distance.

Your university or college will provide advice on practices and processes in place on their premises to stop the spread of Covid 19.

You can find further advice below to help you stay safe during your time at university or college.

Student safety advice What can you do?

• Over 50% of burglaries happen because a door or window has been left open, so lock up properly each time you go out and if there is an alarm, set it.

• Keep bank cards and cheque books separate – keep a note of your card details so you can cancel them quickly.

• Always lock your car – never leave the keys in the ignition and don’t leave valuables unattended in the vehicle whether it is parked on or off campus.

• Mark your property with the initials of your university and your student ID number – this makes it hard for a burglar to sell stolen goods and can help the police to return any recovered items to you.

• Be vigilant when using your mobile phone – if your phone is stolen, contact the police and remember to inform your network provider.

Network of support is here to help beat loneliness in Mid and East Antrim • Don’t be an easy target – walk in groups at night, stay over with friends or travel by taxi. Remember that your safety is worth more than the cab fare home!

• Use reputable taxi firms that you can trust, if you are unsure ask for the taxi drivers license – a legitimate taxi will have this displayed in the vehicle.

• Don’t leave drinks unattended.

• Don’t accept drinks from strangers as it may have been spiked.

• If possible, use cash machines during the day – be aware of your surroundings – never write down your PIN. • If you are having a night out, use timer switches to switch lights on, and make your property look occupied in the evenings and at the weekends.

• Your own safety is the most important consideration. But remember - lock up before you leave, take your valuable items home at weekends and during the holidays, and make sure your property is secure at all times.

• Developing positive relationships with neighbours can play a vital role in ensuring any suspicious activity is reported – for example, while you are away for the weekend or on holiday.

You are not alone – and there is help available, right here on your doorstep.

That is the message as a new seven-week awareness campaign is launched by the Mid and East Antrim (MEA) Loneliness Network, a collaboration of community, voluntary and statutory organisations committed to combating isolation and addressing vulnerabilities in people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Loneliness is nothing new, but its impact has been more widely felt right across society during the COVID-19 crisis, with the British Red Cross recently calling on the Northern Ireland Executive to develop a cross-departmental strategy to tackle the problem.

A report by the charity, ‘The Longest Year: Life under local restrictions’, highlighted the lack of social contact with others during the pandemic and the negative effect it has had on people’s mental health as one of the biggest challenges associated with lockdown regulations.

Throughout the coronavirus emergency, MEA Loneliness Network has been working to ensure at-risk groups,

across Council’s social media channels as efforts continue to communicate the message that help is available.

key objectives through our Corporate Plan is creating a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive community, and providing our citizens with access to support and services at a local level is a major element in that.

Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, Council’s Dementia Champion and MEA Loneliness Network representative, encouraged everyone to make themselves Sabrina Lynn, Health and aware of the wealth of local Wellbeing Locality Lead resources.

(Antrim & Ballymena) for the NHSCT, said: particularly teenagers and young adults, as well as those living alone, feel more connected and supported through a range of initiatives which have included a Social Inclusion tablet project, art packs, afternoon tea boxes, salad growing kits and emotional wellbeing boxes for young people.

Northern Area Community Network (NACN) Homemade cards for Christmas; Redeeming Our Community (ROC) Larne Community Helpers “Keeping Well at Home” packs and MEA Borough Council Connected “Walks and Talk” Walks.

The network, which brings together Mid and East After receiving funding from Antrim Borough Council and the Northern Health and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, the network Social Care Trust (NHSCT) has been able to run six along with a range of local projects including: community, voluntary and statutory organisations, has Larne Community developed a handy guide Development Re-Connecting to the support and services Communities “Afternoon available within the borough Tea Boxes”; Good Morning and across Northern Ireland, Carrickfergus Winter Gift for anyone who finds packs; Good Morning themselves struggling.

Ballymena doorstep friendship calendars and A seven-week awareness “Thinking of You” cards; campaign will also roll out

The work of Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network has never been more important as we continue to make our way through the social, economic and health impacts of the pandemic.

Loneliness can affect every one of us, no matter what age we are, but we know that there are certain groups of people, including young adults, those with a disability, those living in homes where there is domestic violence, the elderly as well as those suffering from dementia and their carers, who are more at risk of feeling isolated and alone.

But the message we want to get across through the MEA Loneliness Network, is that help is available and you are never alone. One of Council’s

On behalf of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust it is excellent to see the launch of this campaign across the Borough. This collaborative approach highlights what can be achieved by working together and it is vital that we continue to work in this way in order to address the issue of isolation and loneliness across Mid and East Antrim.

I would encourage anyone who feels like they are struggling, or who has a family member or friend in need, to please log on to this wonderful resource at www.midandeastantrim.gov. uk/MEALonelinessNetwork and take the first step to connecting with others and beating those feelings of isolation.

Any alcohol or drug concerns?

Time for a farm security stock check, say the PSNI

Your local Nidact Connections Team can help!

Over the last few months, The Northern Connections Service has had to do things a bit differently due to COVID-19 restrictions, but we are STILL HERE! and continuing to work with local communities and stakeholders throughout the Mid and East Antrim Borough, addressing Drugs and Alcohol together.

Offering Guidance Around Local Issues Taking a multi-agency approach allows us to address any alcohol and drug issues within your community.

Signposting To Alcohol And Drug Support Services If you are looking help, support or advice about anything, particularly drug and alcohol mis-use, we can help get you sign posted on to the relevant service that can give the best support.

How Can We Help Your Community?

Educate By Delivering Group Awareness Raising Sessions.

We provide educational awareness raising sessions around the short and long term effects of drugs and alcohol misuse and current trends to groups such as young people, staff teams, community groups etc. with our sessions tailored to meet the needs of each group.

Rapid Bins Our RAPID Bin scheme stands for the Removal of All Prescription and Illegal Drugs and is run in partnership with the local PSNI and PCSP teams. Your local bins are located in TESCO Ballymena and Braid Valley Health Centre.

sophisticated options include Tracker, CESAR marking systems and immobilisers which can help prevent theft and help police retrieve and return recovered items.

Rural crime severely impacts farm business, and the PSNI want to remind farmers to be vigilant at this time of year. There are many steps farmers can take to prevent, deter and reduce farm theft:

Nidacts Website www.drugsandalcoholni.info @NIDACTS twitter.com// NIDACTS www.facebook.com/ NIDACTS

• Access to your property: Restrict access to your yard, the fewer ways in the better; use locked gates or security posts if practical.

• Boundaries: Fencing, hedges and walls should be robust, well maintained and regularly checked.

Find out about alarms and the latest technology, such as point-to-point electronic beams, to protect the perimeter of your property.

• Lighting: Good lighting helps make a farmyard both safe and secure.

• Vehicles: ALWAYS remove keys and lock vehicles.

Secure or immobilise vehicles, plant, trailers and equipment when not in use. Keep items of value in securely locked sheds, out of sight. Police operate a trailer marking scheme which is free of charge (contact your local crime prevention officer for further information). Store equipment and vehicles out of sight. Physically secure ATV’s using heavy duty chains and padlocks or block the machine in with other equipment so that it cannot be pushed away. Consider more

• Tools: Lock away hand tools when not in use not only to prevent theft but also so they cannot be used by the thief against your own property.

Engrave items with house number and postcode or use CESAR. • Alarms/CCTV: Consider fitting alarms and install a CCTV system. Ensure the correct CCTV signage is placed round the perimeter of your property. Signs can be a great deterrent in themselves.

• Record items: Keep an inventory of items, including all serial numbers, makes, models and any distinctive damage or marks.

Photograph items.

• Livestock: Regularly check fields where stock is grazing. Keep gates (including yard gates) locked with British

Standard closed shackle locks and ensure that all fixing bolts cannot be removed easily. Invert or cap gate hinges to prevent gates being lifted off to provide access. Take photographs of valuable animals with brand and/or ear tags clearly visible.

• Be a good neighbour: Report all suspicious activity.

Crime Prevention Officer Paul Black said:

It is important that we all work together to make the countryside safer for everyone. Reporting promptly to the police any activity

that raises your suspicions is a good way to initiate our investigation and will help to deter criminals and reduce crime in your area. It could be an unusual vehicle seen parked or travelling on a road in the area, or someone calling and asking for directions. Remember that these could well be criminals checking out what’s on offer, what vehicles they will need to transport the machinery they intend to steal, and the level of farm security.

Take a note of the vehicle registration number and a description of the vehicle and pass that onto Police.

Criminals are always on the lookout for valuable items that they can easily re-sell.

Quads, trailers and other items of farm machinery should therefore be kept locked away in garages or outbuildings, when not in use. And, for added security, people should consider locking gates, using British Standard closed shackled padlocks, at yards and on laneways to prevent unauthorised vehicular access.

Preventing crime and being switched on to crime prevention will help to protect your property.

Don’t make life easy for the criminals.

15 common COVID-19 scams to watch out for

Pension scams

Free COVID-19 testing

Tax rebate scams

Word Bank DVLA refunds

Free supermarket vouchers

Fake competitions

Investment scams

Free school dinner vouchers

Travel scams

Automated messages from your service providers

Free payments from the government

Doorstep scams eg collecting groceries/cleaning services

Websites selling fake PPE

Charity scams eg posts asking you to donate to a sick loved one

Fake fines for leaving your property

Report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or the PSNI on 101

ONUS Safe Place Initiative Safe Place is a simple but very effective initiative that allows any business, organisation, church, school or community group to provide resources and signposting to anyone affected by domestic abuse.

To become a Safe Place, all that is required is to attend a Safe Place Webinar and complete a simple online registration form. Onus provides Safe Place resources and ongoing support to any organisation signing up to the scheme.

Following the webinar there will be the opportunity to take part in further training through the Onus Pathways for Progression, this includes our Safe Employer, Safe Church and Safe School training as well as our Community Safe Place Advocates Workshop which is for any individual wishing to make a difference in their community and work towards a Safe Community award for their area.

Useful contact numbers

Your PCSP members

PSNI contact details

10 Elected Members

9 Independent Members

7 Statutory Partners

Ald Gregg McKeen Ald John Carson Cllr Andrew Wilson Cllr Lauren Gray Cllr Timothy Gaston Cllr Thomas Gordon Cllr Cheryl Johnston Cllr John McDermott (Chair) Cllr Danny Donnelly Cllr Marc Collins

Mary Watson Marjorie Hawkins Brenda Leslie Wendy Kerr (Vice Chair) Thomas (Lexie) Scott Norman Hamilton Sharon Maxwell Gillian Gordon Charlene Thompson

Northern Ireland Housing Executive Police Service of Northern Probation Board Youth Justice Agency

Name

Rank

Role

Station

Mobile

Email

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

Neighbourhood Policing Team Carrick/Larne

Carrick

07917390438

simon.coupland@ psni.pnn.police.uk

Simon Coupland

Sergeant

Chris McIlroy

Sergeant

Neighbourhood Policing Team Carrick/Larne

Carrick

07787224732

Chris.McIlroy@ psni.pnn.police.uk

Tony McClelland

Sergeant

Neighbourhood Policing Team Carrick/Larne

Carrick

07827925770

Daniel. mcclelland@psni. pnn.police.uk

Michelle McKillop

Sergeant

Neighbourhood Policing Team Ballymena

Ballymena

07585703099

Michelle.adams@ psni.pnn.police.uk

Stephen Rainey

Sergeant

Community Planning Sergeant

Ballymena

02825667277

stephen.rainey2@ psni.pnn.police.uk

Mid and East Antrim PCSP contact details Contact the PCSP staff by phone, email or call into the office: 80 Galgorm Road Ballymena County Antrim BT42 1AB Tel: 028 93 358311 Email: pcsp@midandeastantrim.gov.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

Northern Health and Social Care Trust Education Authority Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service

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