Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP host crime prevention training
Fri, March 15, 2024
Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) have been teaching residents how to protect themselves and their homes at crime prevention training sessions in Portrush and Ballymoney.
The sessions offered residents the opportunity to learn more about appropriate security products for residential settings, how to carry out an effective home security surveys and information on cold calling and common scams.
Speaking after the event, PCSP Chair Councillor Ivor Wallace said: “Anyone who has been the victim of a crime knows the traumatising effect it can have – we are living in a society where online and in-person scams are becoming more sophisticated as each year passes.
“The aim of this training was to help local people gain more knowledge and tools to help protect themselves and their possessions.”
Cllr Wallace explained that participants were provided with safety items to help them secure their property and keep it protected.
“Through training like this, we encourage everyone to be aware that small crime prevention practices can make a huge difference,” he said.
“Schemes supported by the PCSP, such as Neighbourhood Watch, can also have an impact on deterring crime. If anyone wishes to start a scheme, you can talk to PCSP staff for support and advice on how to go about it.”
Crime Prevention Officer Judith Lavery said participants were keen to hear about how to protect themselves from falling foul to scams.
“The advice I give always begins with increasing awareness. Remember, if you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam,” she said.
“Any individual or community group can contact me for crime prevention advice by calling PSNI 101 and asking to be put through to the crime prevention officer.”
Amanda Mulholland from the Police Crime Prevention Academy facilitated the two events, which focused on practical actions that individuals and local communities can take to help keep themselves safe. They focused the 10 Principles of Crime Prevention and the home security survey process to help prevent themselves from becoming victims of crime.
