Policing and crime in Newcastle

Community policing in Newcastle (pic: PSNI)

Newcastle PSNI station can be found at 37 South Promenade, near the harbour end of the town. It’s open 8am – 8pm, 7 days per week. Telephone 0845 600 8000 or try the personal mobile numbers given below. 

Who’s who?
Overall area commander for policing in Down District is Chief Inspector Deirdre Bones. The local area  neighbourhood policing team is headed by Inspector Martin Trainor. 

The Newcastle team consists of Sergeant James McIlveen (07795 607430), Constable Jolene Jordan (07795 607430) and Constable Davy Jones. 

If you’re in Dundrum, Ballykinlar and Maghera, ask for Constable Linda Revels. For Castlewellan, Bryansford and Kilcoo, try Constable Sarah Jones (07825 684915). And for Clough, Seaforde and Drumaroad, it’s Constable Karen Thomas (07825 684799). Email: NewcastleNhood@psni.pnn.police.uk 

How are they / we doing?

According to the latest report from the District Policing Partnership, reported crime is showing a small fall in the area over the last three years. However, the report also shows an overall year-on-year rise of 8.2% in recorded crimes during Apr-Dec 2009, notwithstanding a dip during the final three months of the year. No specific breakdown for crime in Newcastle is given. 

Overall recorded crime, Down District 2006-09

Looking ahead, here is the policing plan for the Down district in 2010/11. The plan includes no target for actually reducing crime in the area, although the police do aim to increase the detection rate by 5%.