Ford sees crime reduction initiatives at work in Enniskillen

4.25.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 17th Jun 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford has today been on patrol with community police officers in Enniskillen.

The Minister took the opportunity to visit businesses who participate in Business Watch - a scheme to help businesses protect themselves and their property and to reduce the level of business crime.

Mr Ford said: "The Business Watch scheme is yet another excellent example of people working together to reduce crime levels in our communities.

"I have been impressed by the level of co-operation between retailers throughout the town. The network acts as an early warning alert to any potential criminality and ensures that lines of communication are open to help stop criminals in their tracks."

The Minister also viewed CCTV footage of Enniskillen Town Centre. Crime in the area covered by CCTV has fallen by 36% since 2005 and has also proved helpful in providing evidence to PSNI of criminal activity.

The Minister continued: "I been interested to hear evidence today of how the CCTV and the Business Watch schemes, working together in Enniskillen, have played a valuable role in securing quick arrests by the PSNI.

"While I understand that CCTV is not a panacea for dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour it can, as part of a wider strategy, lead to real benefits for crime reduction and can make our communities feel safer."