Foreword - Councillor Lauren Gray
Chairperson - Mid and East Antrim Policing and Community Safety Partnership
As we transition into the colder, darker months of autumn and winter, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant and look out for one another. While the longer nights may bring a sense of quiet, we must not let our guard down. Remember to lock doors and windows, report suspicious activity, and check in on neighbours, especially the elderly and vulnerable.
Recently #StormAmy reminded us just how unpredictable the weather can be. As we brace for the possibility of more severe storms, now is the time to prepare: This winter season Keep an emergency kit at hand, know who to contact during outages, and support those who may need extra help.
On the roads, the PSNI urges all motorists to take extra care. Wet leaves, icy patches, and reduced visibility can make driving hazardous. Slow down, wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions like mobile phones, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.These simple steps save lives.
Winter is a time of year when may of us shop more than often, particularly in the run up to the Christmas season. Unfortunately scammers know this only to well, taking advantage of homes with expensive gifts and money wrapped under the tree.
Keep your home secure and keep expensive items out of view. Don't fall for scams of any kind - whether its scammers or phone calls, online or even doorstep fraud. Keep aware and stay informed.
Awareness is one of the best defences against these criminals.
The winter months can also be a time when we come together to celebrate and reflect. Let's enjoy the season responsibly, look out for one another, and make every celebration a postive, memorable occasion.
Finally, I would take this opportunity to wish all our partners in PCSP and local community of Mid & East Antrim, a happy healthy and safe Christmas Season and Happy a Happy New Year.
Stay Safe - Stay Legal
If you are planning a firework display, put safety first.
Remember:
• It is illegal to possess, purchase, sell, handle or use fireworks except under licence. Only adults should light or handle fireworks.
• Never ever go back to a firework once liteven if it does not go off.
• When watching fireworks, stand well back.
• It is an offence to throw fireworks in the street or other public places. Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Never give sparklers to children under the age of five. Light sparklers one at time and always wear gloves.
• Keep a bucket of water close by and put sparklers in it when they go out.
Only buy fireworks from a licenced retailer. If you have information about the sale of illegal fireworks you can contact us on 101 or report online at www.psni.police.uk/report
#KeepingPeopleSafe
Halloween should be safe and enjoyable for everyone. We will be carrying out patrols and working with our partners to ensure everyone is enjoying their evening safely. If you're planning to mark Halloween with a fireworks display, find out everything you need to know about fireworks licencing at www.nidirect.gov.uk
With darker evenings and Halloween fast approaching, we want to ensure that you all stay firework safe.
The law is clear - it is illegal to possess, sell, handle or use fireworks if you do not have a licence. You could be fined for breaking the law. Find out everything you need to know about fireworks licencing at www.nidirect.gov.uk/ articles/fireworks
Winter Roads, Steady Hands, Safe Journeys.
PSNI Winter Driving Safety Advice
Winter Driving: Stay Safe on the Roads
As the cold weather sets in, it’s vital for motorists to take extra care on the roads. Icy conditions can catch even the most experienced drivers off guard. Before heading out, ask yourself: is your journey absolutely necessary?
Before You Hit the Road
Preparation is key to staying safe. Make sure your vehicle is winter-ready:
• Check tyres for legal tread depth to maintain grip and control.
• Clear all ice and snow from your windscreen and windows.
• Test your brakes and lights to ensure they’re functioning properly.
• Top up oil and washer fluid levels.
• Pack essentials: water, de-icer, and for longer trips, food, hot drinks, warm blankets, and a fully charged mobile phone.
Driving in Wintry Conditions
Once on the road, adjust your driving to suit the weather:
• Slow down and leave at least three times more space between you and the car ahead.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding; if wheels lock, ease off the brakes.
• Use your lights to stay visible and always clear snow from your car before driving.
• Drive in the highest gear possible on snow to reduce wheel spin.
• Never overtake snowploughs or gritters they’re improving the road behind them, not ahead.
• Don’t rely on your vehicle’s capabilities 4x4s aren’t invincible.
• Carry boots and weatherproof clothing in case you need to walk or push your car.
If You Get Stuck in Snow
Getting stuck can be stressful, but here’s what to do:
• Don’t spin your wheels it’ll only dig you in deeper.
• Turn your wheels side to side to clear snow.
• Use gentle acceleration to ease out.
• Shovel snow from around the wheels and under the car.
• Use sand, gravel, salt or even your car mats—for traction.
• If you must leave your car, arrange recovery quickly. If it poses a risk to others, notify the police.
Stay safe, stay warm, and drive smart this winter!
The Fatal Five: Drive
Safe,
Stay Alive
Whether you're heading out for work or leisure, road safety should always be your top priority. Every year, lives are lost due to five preventable driving behaviours. Known as the “Fatal Five,” these are the most common causes of serious road accidents:
• Drink or Drug Driving
Alcohol and drugs impair your coordination, perception, and reaction time. Driving under the influence can lead to collisions and a minimum 12-month driving ban if caught. Think before you drive.
• Mobile Phone Use
Phones are the biggest distraction behind the wheel. A quick glance can cost lives. Using your phone while driving now carries a £200 fine and six penalty points enough to disqualify new drivers instantly.
• Not Wearing a Seatbelt
It’s the law in Northern Ireland: seatbelts save lives. Failing to wear one could result in a £60 fine and three penalty points. More importantly, it could cost you your life.
• Speeding
Speed reduces your ability to react. Stick to limits they’re there to protect everyone. Penalties range from awareness courses to fines, points, or even bans depending on severity.
• Careless Driving
Distractions, poor judgement, and risky manoeuvres all fall under careless driving. Stay focused, stay alert, and respect the road.
Stay Safe This Christmas
Your Festive Season Safety Guide
As the holiday season approaches, we want you and your loved ones to enjoy all the festivities safely. Whether you're shopping, celebrating at home, or browsing online for gifts, a few simple precautions can make all the difference.
Here's how to stay safe this Christmas:
Safe Shopping
PSNI are working closely with retailers to ensure a secure shopping environment.
You can help by:
Safe Shopping Online
Online shopping is convenient - but it comes with risks.
• Respecting staff and fellow shoppers' space
• Keeping personal belongings secure and carrying only essentials
• Wearing handbags or wallets in front of you or in a front pocket
• Staying alert in busy areas and avoiding distractions
• Using ATMs cautiously - shield your PIN and store cash/cards safely
• Avoiding ATMs that seem suspicious or make you feel uneasy
• Parking in well-lit areas and keeping purchases out of sight
Stay cyber-safe by:
• Typing website addresses directly instead of clicking links
• Checking for ‘https’ and a padlock icon on payment pages
• Being cautious with ads on social media and forums
• Avoiding direct bank transfers to unknown sellers - use credit cards when possible
• Logging out properly after purchases
• Steering clear of counterfeit goods and reading reviews before buying
• Reading the fine print on ‘free’ trials to avoid hidden charges
• Ignoring unexpected messages with offers or attachments
• Tracking your purchases and delivery services
• Verifying travel bookings with ABTA/ ATOL numbers and paying by credit card
• Reporting suspicious activity via 101 or the non-emergency reporting form
Safe At Home
Most burglaries are opportunistic.
Protect your home by:
• Locking all doors and windows
• Keeping valuables and gifts out of sight
• Marking items with your postcode and house number
• Avoiding storing large amounts of cash
• Leaving lights on if you’ll be out after dark
• Installing security systems and motionsensitive lights
• Locking garages, sheds, and securing
ladders
• Using timer switches to give your home a lived-in look
• Checking who’s at the door before opening
• Reporting suspicious activity or vehicles to police on 101 or 999 in emergencies
Domestic Abuse Support
Sadly, domestic abuse can rise during the festive season. Everyone deserves to feel safe at home. If you or someone you know is affected:
• Call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency
• Use the silent solution if you're unable to speak:
• Dial 999
• Listen to the operator’s questions
• Cough or tap the handset
• Press 55 when prompted to be connected to police
You are not alone - help is available.
Advice to give a friend or relation being abused
Find out information about your friend or loved one’s rights and the services available so they can make informed choices – for example, contact specialist support agencies such as:
Women’s Aid or Men's Advisory Project who can provide practical and emotional support.
Agree a code word or action that if he/she says to you or you see, you know they’re in danger and cannot access help alone.
Find out information for your friend or loved one so they can make informed choices.
Get some support yourself. You have to be strong if you’re going to be able to help them. Most domestic abuse services are happy to help with any worries you may have or provide suggestions as to other actions you might take. Most importantly, don’t give up on them. You might be their only lifeline.
Safe Shop Event
The Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) will be taking part in the Safe Shop Event at Danske Bank on 26 November 2025 from 10.00 AM – 1.00 PM
Drop by to learn practical tips on how to protect yourself from online scams, spot counterfeit goods, and shop securely this festive season. Whether you're buying gifts or booking holidays, this event will help you shop smarter and safer.
Keeping Warm & Well
Boiler Replacement Scheme
The scheme, provided by funding from the Northern Ireland Executive, offers owner occupiers a grant of up to £1,000 to:
• Replace inefficient boilers with energy-efficient condensing oil or gas boilers
• Switch from oil to gas
• Switch to a wood pellet boiler
It is available to those who earn less than £40,000 a year with an inefficient boiler of at least 15 years and is dependent on total gross income.
The scheme, administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), is targeted at householders who do not qualify for other Government energy-efficient improvement schemes, making them vulnerable to fuel poverty.
If you think you may be eligible, call T: 0300 200 7874 or register by E: boiler-replacement@nihe.gov.uk
Winter Fuel Payment
If you are aged 60 or over you may get a Winter Fuel Payment to help pay for keeping warm in winter.
This can be between £100 and £300 depending on your situation.
Affordable Warmth Scheme
The Affordable Warmth Scheme is the Department for Communities programme for addressing fuel poverty in the Private Sector.
It is targeted at low-income households and delivered across Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive
From 1 July 2023, Council no longer acts as a delivery partner for the scheme.
However, our Community Health & Wellbeing Team can offer advice and assistance on various other Energy Efficiency schemes, Home Safety, Affordable Food
Contact us on E: wellbeing@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or T: 028 2563 3394 to speak to member of staff who will be happy to help.
Cook Slow, Eat Well
Slow Cookers
Using a slow cooker is an easy way of making tasty nutritional meals at affordable prices.
They are cheap to buy, cheap to run and make the most out of cheaper ingredients which benefit from a longer cooking time.
Preparation time is quick and you can make extra servings to refrigerate or freeze for later.
They are also portable so you can take it anywhere and plug it in.
Slow cookers are great for stews, soups, curries and joints of meat but they can also be used to make desserts and for baking cakes, cookies and brownies.
Recipes are normally provided with your slow cooker but there are many more available online.
By cooking your own meals you know exactly what you’re eating and slow cooked meals can have all the nutritional requirements that you need without much effort and spending lots of money.
Eat Smart, Cook Smarter
Air Fryers
Using an air fryer is a simple and energy-efficient way to prepare tasty, nutritious meals with minimal fuss. Air fryers are affordable to buy, economical to run, and ideal for quick cooking - making them a great choice for busy households.
They use rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly and with little to no oil, helping you enjoy healthier versions of your favourite dishes. From crispy chips and chicken to roasted vegetables and even baked treats, air fryers can handle a wide variety of meals in a fraction of the time.
Preparation is fast, and many recipes allow you to batch cook and store extra portions in the fridge or freezer for later. Compact and portable, air fryers fit easily on your kitchen counter and are perfect for small spaces.
Most air fryers come with starter recipes, and there’s a huge selection of ideas available online - from hearty mains to light snacks and desserts. Cooking at home with an air fryer means you know exactly what’s going into your food, and you can enjoy balanced, budgetfriendly meals without compromising on taste. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a family, the air fryer is a smart, healthy, and convenient kitchen companion.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL SUPPORT SERVICES
NORTHERN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE TRUST AREA
Services for Adults
Drug and Alcohol Harm Reduction Service
Aimed at those who misuse alcohol and/or drugs at harmful levels and/or in harmful ways but who are unable to commit to formal treatment (including chronic drinkers & injecting drug users).
Open Access/Self Referrals Accepted Extern
Tel: 028 2565 4012
Adult Substance Misuse (Step 2) Service
One to one therapeutic treatment and support service for alcohol and/or drug misuse. Family members can also get advice and support - regardless of whether their significant other is seeking help.
Open Access/Self Referrals Accepted Extern
Tel: 028 2565 4012
Statutory Addiction Service
Provided by a range of specialist teams within community and hospital settings.
GP/Health Professional Referrals
NHSCT
Tel: 028 2531 7162
Residential treatment is accessible through the statutory addiction service and is provided by a number of agencies including those listed below.
Addiction Service Referrals
Carrick 1
Tel: 028 9446 5211
Carlisle House
Tel: 028 9032 8303
Northlands
Tel: 028 7131 3232
Young People/Family
Ballymena Youth Engagement Service (YES)
Offering a youth friendly, holistic health and wellbeing service where young people, aged 11-25, have opportunities to socialise and to get advice and support on a range of issues.
Open Access
Start 360
Tel: 028 2568 9356
Carrickfergus Youth Engagement Service (YES)
Providing a youth friendly, holistic health and wellbeing service where young people, aged 11-25, have opportunities to socialise and to get advice and support on a range of issues.
Open Access
Carrickfergus YMCA
Tel: 028 9335 5890
Targeted Lifeskills Service
Groupwork programmes for young people, aged 11-25, focussed on lifeskills and harm reduction.
Targeted at At-Risk/Vulnerable Groups
ASCERT & Start 360
Tel: 0800 254 5123
Steps to Cope/ Hidden Harm
For young people aged 11-25 who have been impacted by parental substance use and mental health problems.
Open Access/Self Referrals Accepted
ASCERT
Tel: 0800 2545123
www.stepstocope.co.uk
stc@ascert.biz
DAISY
One to one and group therapeutic treatment and support service for children and young people aged 11-25. Family members can also get advice and support - regardless of whether their significant other is seeking help.
Open Access/Self Referrals Accepted
ASCERT & Start 360
Tel: 0800 254 5123
Voices
Therapeutic treatment and support for families and children affected by parental alcohol and/or drug misuse.
Social Services/Addiction Services Referrals
Start 360
Tel: 028 2568 9356
DAMHS (Drug and Alcohol Mental Health Service)
Providing a range of therapeutic support services for young people aged under 18 with significant mental health and substance misuse difficulties.
GP/CAMHS Referrals
NHSCT
Tel: 028 9442 4600
Specific Groups
Needle and Syringe Exchange Sites
Boots
Ballymena Health Centre
Tel: 028 2564 1989
Queen Street, Harryville, Ballymena
Tel: 028 2564 5994
Abbeycentre, Newtownabbey
Tel: 028 9036 5910
NHSCT Community Addiction Service
105a Railway Street, Ballymena Tel: 028 2531 7162
Group Support
Call or go online to find a meeting near you:
Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Step Programme/Group Meetings
Tel: 028 9035 1222 www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie
AlAnon
Group Support for Family Members Tel: 028 9068 2368 www.al-anonuk.org.uk
Alateen
Group Support for Teenagers Tel: 028 9068 2368 www.al-anonuk.org.uk/alateen
Narcotics Anonymous 12 Step Programme/Group Meetings Tel: 0300 365 1010 www.na-northernireland.org
Workforce Development Training Programmes
A range of drug and alcohol training courses for those working with adults, children and young people.
ASCERT
Tel: 0800 254 5123
Community/Stakeholder Support
Northern Drug &Alcohol Coordination Team/ Connections Service (NDACT Connections)
The DACT Connections Service provides information, advice, signposting and awareness raising initiatives to a range of community and stakeholder partners. Tel: 028 2568 9306 (Start 360) www.drugsandalcoholni.info connections@ndact.info
Have you been the Victim or Witness to a crime or incident?
If you have information about a crime or suspicious activity please either call PSNI on 101 or report online.
If someone is in danger or you need urgent support call 999 immediately
You can also use the 999 British Sign Language (BSL) app or website to make a call to 999. It will go to the British BSL interpreter first, who will appear on the screen. The BSL interpreter will then call 999 operator and will rely the conversation. You must only call the service if you have a real emergency. If you have questions about how the service works please email info@999bsl.co.uk or visit the website at www.999bsl.co.uk
Your PCSP Members
10
Elected Members
Cllr Lauren Gray (Chair)
Cllr Gregg McKeen
Cllr Roy Beggs
Cllr Christopher Jamieson Cllr
Maeve Donnelly
Cllr Marc Collins
Cllr Ian Friary
Cllr Tyler Hoey
Cllr Angela Smyth
Cllr Brian Thompson
09 Independent Members
Elizabeth Maxwell (Vice Chair)
Noel Rogan QPM
Eugene Reid
Lexie Scott
Naomi Coupland
Wendy Kerr
Evelyn Hughes
Eliza Martin
Brenda Leslie
07
Statutory Partners
Northern Ireland
Housing Executive
Police Service of Northern Ireland
Probation Board
Youth Justice Agency
Northern Health & Social Care Trust
Education Authority
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service
Mid and East Antrim PSNI Contact Details
Ballymena
LNPT Sergeant McToal 07812 480855
LNPT Sergeant Cowan 07917 3368 825
Larne&Carrick
LNPT Inspector Ash 07557 261796
LNPT Sergeant Coupland 07764 638412
LNPT Sergeant Mcllroy 07787 224732
Contact our PCSP staff by phone, email or call into theoffice:
80 Galgorm Road Ballymena County Antrim BT42 1AB pcsp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk www.psni.police.uk/about-us/ local-policing/mid-and-eastantrim
InanEmergencycall:999PSNI
Non-emergencycall:101
Victim Support 028 2563 0784
Crime stoppers 0800 555 111
24 hour Domestic & Sexual Violence helpline 0808 802 1414
ABCLN Women’s Aid 02825632136
Crime Prevention Officer Paul Black 0750 003 6996 or Ext 86008 or phone 101
This newsletter is supported by the Northern Ireland Policing Board and Department of Justice, with thanks to Crimestoppers and Statutory Partners for providing relevant information.