Neighbourhood connections can work together

I had the pleasure of patrolling the streets of Downpatrick last Friday afternoon with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team. As I patrolled I had the opportunity to speak to numerous members of the public, local representatives and business owners.

What was abundantly clear to me was that the people of Downpatrick want a visible Police Service who know and understand the needs of those who live in, work in and visit Downpatrick. I saw first hand a team of officers who have a passion for doing exactly that.

Recent events have very clearly caused much concern within the Downpatrick area, and across Northern Ireland, and it was very clear that anyone I spoke to had absolutely no time for those who continue to inflict acts of terrorism on individuals and communities.

I was disgusted by the indiscriminate act which could have so easily have taken the lives of three children in Lurgan on Saturday afternoon. Those who carried out this attack showed a complete disregard for the safety of anyone who happened to be in this area at that time, and it is only by pure good fortune that no-one was killed. It would appear that there are no boundaries to their recklessness.

I very much welcome and greatly appreciate the public show of support, on Saturday, for my colleague who terrorists tried to murder in Kilkeel last week. Events like this further serve to isolate those responsible and demonstrate the lack of support for those who attempt to carry out such acts of terror.

The Police Service is continuing to raise its game, to tackle head on, those whose intent it is to cause terror. You will see over the next days and weeks an increased visible police presence as we work to prevent, frustrate and detect further terrorist activity. Already this year we have arrested and charged 40 people in relation to dissident republican activity . This will continue.

We cannot be everywhere all the time but you can, and must, help us by being our eyes and ears in your local area. Look out for your friends and neighbours, and immediately report anything suspicious. Those people who have information and choose not to disclose it need to seriously examine their conscience.

We are absolutely committed to playing our active part in defeating terrorism but we cannot work alone. More than ever, we need, rely on, and must have your active support.