Statement

Weir welcomes new crime proposals

Posted on: October 9, 2009

"As both a member of the Police Board and a local MLA for North Down, I welcome the proposals announced today by NIO Justice Minister Paul Goggins on a package of measures that will help the Police better combat low level crime. These proposals are the result of many months of intense discussions behind the scenes and have the support of both the PSNI and the Public Prosecution Service. Not only do these proposals bring our criminal justice system closer into line with the rest of the UK, but I also believe when introduced in North Down will make a real difference on the ground.

In short these proposals will reduce Police paperwork and administration, both by removing the need to prepare full case files where no prosecution is ever likely to take place, and by handing back control over prosecutions on low level crimes to the police. Additionally on a range of crimes from low level criminal damage to disorderly behavior, and from minor shoplifting to purchasing alcohol for a minor, the Police will gain new powers over fixed penalty notices, and conditional cautions.

For many people in North Down whose lives are made a misery by anti social behavior and low level crime, there is a strong belief that not enough has been done to combat this blight on our community. I believe that these proposals, when implemented, can go some way to tackling the problem both through increased powers and the freeing up of police resources."