Those behind security alerts in Derry ‘causing harm to their communities’

Derry City and Strabane Police District Commander Chief Superintendent Darrin Jones said those responsible were “intent on targeting Police and causing harm to their communities”.

He also confirmed that enquiries into the incidents are ongoing.

“Security alerts cause disruption and frustration in a number of ways to people within the community, including to residents who have to leave their homes, sometimes in the middle of the night. Often there are older people or families with young children who are affected.

“There is also disruption to the business community, the wider public and the impact on traffic when roads are closed.

“We share the public’s anger and frustration when incidents like this happen, but our overriding priority will always be the safety of everyone in the community. It is also important to remember that when we deal with security alerts, police resources can also be drawn from other calls.”

Chf. Supt. Jones added: “However, we are committed to keeping people safe and, while we always work to ensure disruption to the community is minimal, we will not take any chances when it comes to public safety. That is of paramount importance.

“I want to reassure the public that PSNI officers will continue to investigate and disrupt these activities and bring the perpetrators before the courts.

“We encourage the community to engage with us to help prevent them in future. You can contact police on 101 and also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

“Crimestoppers can be also contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/”.