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PSNI hesitation to seriously tackle criminality in Newry is 'Totally Unacceptable' - Casey

Published: 4 November, 2009

Sinn Féin Deputy Mayor of Newry and Mourne, Charlie Casey, has slammed the PSNI for its reluctance to tackle criminality in Newry.

Cllr Casey said;

"Last Sunday an employee of a retail chain in Newry was stopped by masked men in Derrybeg, as he was driving home. After being ordered to identify himself, he locked his windows and sounded the horn until they fled.

"The following day his place of employment received a phone call purporting to be from a dissident group. The caller demanded that they empty the shop's safe and deliver the money to a location on the outskirts of Newry.

"Quite rightly they refused and contacted the PSNI.

"His family are understandably shaken, and in fear of their lives. They have left their home as a result, and the threatened man is unable to go to work.

"I have been in regular contact with the family who now believe that the PSNI are reluctant to help them.

"Indeed one officer told them -on the phone - that 'we can't just pick something out of the sky'.

"This attitude is totally unacceptable and unhelpful and cannot be tolerated by Sinn Féin, nor will the community in Newry accept such low policing standards.

"The PSNI claim to working with the community in this area. If the people of Derrybeg are to be persuaded then the Police must be seen to tackle the scourge of criminality on our streets.

"They must also treat those people who suffer from crime with the respect and sensitivity that they deserve.

"I have contacted the local District Commander on this issue while my party colleague, Alex Maskey MLA is going to raise this issue with the Chief Constable. Our DPP members will also pursue this matter.

"The PSNI needs to understand that it is now an accountable public service and that our communities will not tolerate substandard policing.

"I would also call on the thugs responsible for traumatising these people to desist from this, and any other, criminal behaviour.

"Anyone with any information on this incident should also contact the PSNI immediately."