Lisburn Steps Up Campaign against Crime...
CityWatch Lisburn, a new city centre crime prevention initiative, was officially launched this week. This new scheme has been set up to deter and detect thieves by proactively monitoring the movements and activities of known or suspect criminals.  
There are three key integrated strands to CityWatch which work together to provide members with a comprehensive crime prevention package of support including: CCTV and Radiolink systems which businesses can use to communicate with each other and the Police. Businesses also receive access to photographs and information from Retailers Against Crime [RACNI] through a project which highlights individuals and organised groups of criminals who are operating in the Lisburn area and across Northern Ireland. 
The scheme is being launched by Lisburn Commerce Against Crime [LCAC] whose Chairman Ernie Knox, said ‘I believe CityWatch will have a positive impact on our business community, creating an effective partnership to tackle these serious issues.  Planning is at an advanced stage to expand the CCTV system in Lisburn City centre to increase the coverage and ability of the system and enhance the capabilities of the CityWatch scheme.’

Councillor Jenny Palmer, Chair of Lisburn City Council’s Economic Development Unit says: ‘As the principle funder of the Lisburn CCTV and Radiolink scheme, we are delighted to be part of this new joint initiative which will help to improve the overall security of businesses, as well as local residents and tourists visiting Lisburn City Centre and the surrounding areas of Moira, Hillsborough and Dunmurry.  CityWatch will help businesses to stay one step ahead of criminals through information sharing and partnership working, especially now in the run up to Christmas when typically as the number of shoppers increases there are more opportunities presented for criminal activity to take place’.

Helping to coordinate the scheme Const. Willie Johnston, Business Crime Adviser/Crime Prevention Officer Lisburn Police, stated ‘This scheme brings together existing technology with key information on criminal activities to protect businesses and prevent crime from occurring in the area.  I would encourage all businesses to join this excellent initiative as increased membership will result in a more successful scheme’.   

Members will be able to participate in information sharing forums where information on crime, criminals and their latest methods and movements will be discussed, as well as being able to avail of security advice and staff training on preventative strategies.  Any business interested in becoming a member of the Citywatch scheme should contact Gavin Campbell at Lisburn City Centre Management for further information on 028 9266 0625 or gavin@lisburnccm.co.uk