AN enhanced police presence on the streets of Belfast is acting as a “visible deterrent” to would-be carjackers, a senior PSNI officer has said.
Giving an update on the impact of a dedicated taskforce set up after a spate of car hijackings in the city, Chief Superintendent Alan McCrum confirmed that four males – including a teenager – have been charged with offences in relation to vehicle theft.
Since the start of January there have been 19 reported hijacking incidents and a total of 10 males have been questioned by police.
The special PSNI taskforce was set up last month to deal with the crimewave and its officers have arrested a total of 55 people for a range of offences.
Mr McCrum said: “Through the taskforce, police visibility on the streets of Belfast has been enhanced. This has assisted in providing a visible deterrent to anyone who may be planning to engage in such activity.
“Officers involved in the taskforce, during the course of their patrols, have made 55 arrests for offences ranging from possession of class B drugs, right through to theft, blackmail, robbery and burglary and driving when disqualified with no insurance.
“By challenging criminal activity, in whatever form it may take, this contributes to the process of protecting communities and creating a safer environment.”
Mr McCrum said that the taskforce has been meeting regularly to review information regarding carjacking incidents and confirmed that more officers are to be deployed in the Castle Street/Divis Street area of the city to combat criminal activity.