Police, along with representatives from the Housing Executive and Mid and East Antrim Council, attended a public meeting at Ballykeel Community Centre on Monday night, 1st August. Local Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Beverlie Reid said:
“I welcomed the invitation to attend the meeting, to listen to the community and to discuss issues of concern in Ballykeel. The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to working with the local community and key partners towards a long-term solution of the issues, and we would encourage the public and local community representatives, to continue to speak with their local neighbourhood policing team about these issues.
“One of the issues surrounds the illegal supply and use of drugs. This remains a priority for us. Over the last week, we have made a number of searches in the Ballykeel area, seizing Class B and Class C drugs while making six drug related arrests. This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tackling the scourge of drugs in our society.
“I would encourage anyone who has information about the use or supply of illegal drugs to contact police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
Our officers will continue to provide a visible policing presence throughout the area and will work closely with partners to help build a safe community and tackle problems that affect residents.”
A spokesperson for the Housing Executive said: “We were asked to attend a meeting by representatives in Ballykeel, along with other statutory agencies. At this meeting, we took the opportunity to outline the legislative framework that underpins our work and we listened to the concerns of those in attendance. We’ll continue to work closely with partner agencies and the community in Ballykeel in the weeks and months ahead.”
A Council spokesperson said:
“Mid and East Antrim Borough Council representatives, along with statutory partners, took part in last night’s meeting in Ballykeel to hear first-hand about a number of ongoing issues and concerns within the local area. Council is committed to working alongside and fully supporting the local community, and by also working closely with our partners (including the Police and Community Safety Partnership) to tackle those matters causing such concern. We thank all those who participated in last night’s meeting and we will continue to seek solutions – collectively with our partners - for the good of everybody within the area.”
Anyone with any concerns or issues in the Ballykeel area should contact Police on 101 to discuss with local officers. You can also make a report to us online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers.
תגובות