Spratt meets PSNI to discuss police response to sex assaults

South Belfast DUP MLA and NI Policing Board Member Jimmy Spratt has met with South Belfast Commander Chris Noble to discuss policing arrangements in South Belfast following serious sexual assaults which have occurred in the area in recent days.

 

Commenting, Mr. Spratt said:

 

‘Firstly I want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the victims of recent attacks in the South Belfast area. It is imperative that anyone with information brings it to the attention of the PSNI immediately.

 

Obviously there is significant concern amongst the community of South Belfast about recent attacks and as such I sought an urgent meeting with the local Commander. In South Belfast we have specific characteristics such as a busy night life and large student population, and the knock on effect of that is a need for late night policing, and that was made clear at our meeting.

 

We also have an issue with the number of sex offenders who have been placed in the South Belfast area. I brought forward community concerns and I received assurances from the Commander that these individuals where being monitored as part of a multi-agency approach, and indeed that there were no link with recent attacks.

 

Furthermore, I stressed the need for visible policing in the South Belfast area as a whole. The community must be reassured that their area is safe and that can only be brought about by seeing police officers in their areas, highly visible, actively deterring crime.’

 

Commenting further, Mr Spratt said:

 

‘The Police reiterated the advice given as part of the Get Home Safe Campaign and I would urge the public, particularly females, to heed the advice to avoid walking alone, and ensure their personal safety at all times.’