Whiterock
The neighbourhoods within West Belfast patrolled by the Whiterock Neighbourhood Policing Team are divided into three beat areas:
Ballymurphy – The Ballymurphy beat area includes the areas of New Barnsley, Moyard, Westrock’s, Whiterock’s and Rock’s. The boundary of the Ballymurphy beat falls within Beechview Park, Falls Road, Whiterock Road, Upper Whiterock Road, Springfield Park, Springfield Road, Springhill Avenue, Westrock Grove and Beechview Park.
Beechmount - This beat area incorporates Cluain Mor, Iris, Springfield and Cavendish areas, More specifically, it is bounded by Beechview Park, Falls Road, Springfield Road, Springfield Drive, Forfar Street, Fort Street, Mica Drive, and Beechview Park.
Highfield and Upper Springfield – The areas within the Springmartin Road, Ballygomartin Road, West Circular Road, Springfield Parade, Springfield Road, Springfield Drive, Forfar Street, Pollard Street, Springfield Road, Springmartin Road boundary are the Highfield and Upper Springfield beat area.
The Whiterock Neighbourhood Policing Team are based at Grosvenor Road Police Station.
Each beat area has a dedicated neighbourhood constable, with a sergeant leading the team.
- Your Neighbourhood Policing Team
- Contact us
- Get involved
- You said - We did
- Neighbourhood Watch and District Policing Partnership
- Neighbourhood News
Your Neighbourhood Policing Team
| Name of Officer | Mobile Telephone Number | Neighbourhood Patrolled |
| Sergeant Wilson | 07826 866270 | Sergeant, Whiterock Team |
| Constable Cleland Constable Rafferty Constable S Riddell | 07787 423 130 07787 425 605 07584 167414 | Ballymurphy area |
| Constable Hunter Constable Keon | 07825 013 877 07787 448 399 | Beechmount area |
| Constable Allen Constable Patton | 07827 933070 07787 423395 | Highfield and Upper Springfield areas |
Each Neighbourhood Team within West Belfast also has Liaison Officers dedicated to the groups and activities outlined below. The Greater Falls Liaison Officers and their contact details are as follows: Citizenship and Safety Education / Schools Liaison Officer Minority Liaison Officer In an emergency always use 999. If you are reporting a crime or require police response following an incident please dial 0845 600 8000. Local neighbourhood officers can be contacted to discuss non urgent community partnership/engagement issues in your local area. When a neighbourhood officer is not available to take your call you may leave a message. If it is not an emergency and you believe another officer can assist you, please ring 0845 600 8000. Neighbourhood Policing Team e-mail: NPTGrosvenorRoad@psni.pnn.police.uk |
Contact us | ||
| Neighbourhood Policing Team Contact Telephone | 02890 700587 | |
| Crime stoppers Telephone Number | 0800 555 111 | |
| Emergency Telephone Number | 999 | |
| Non-emergency Telephone Number | 0845 600 8000 | |
| Text Number | 07500 904 360 | |
| NPTGrosvenorRoad@psni.pnn.police.uk |
Grosvenor Road Police Station is accessible 24 hours a day.
Details of other agencies who may be of assistance to you:
| Agency | Telephone Number | Email Address | |
| Belfast City Council (BCC) | 02890 320202 | generalenquiries@belfastcity.gov.uk | |
| BCC Noise Control | 02890 373006 | envhealth@belfastcity.gov.uk | |
| District Policing Partnership West Belfast sub-group | 02890 270684 | dpp@belfastcity.gov.uk | |
| Citizens Advice Bureau Central Belfast Office Falls Office Suffolk & Andersonstown Office North Belfast Office Shankill Office |
| ecentralbelfast@citizensadvice.co.uk fallscab@citizensadvice.co.uk suffolkandandersonstowncab@citizensadvice.co.uk enorthbelfast@citizensadvice.co.uk eshankill@citizensadvice.co.uk |
|
| Victim Support | 02890 244039 | info@victimsupportni.org.uk | |
Housing Executive (NIHE) | 03448 920900 General Enquiries | belfastnorth@nihe.gov.uk belfastwest@nihe.gov.uk belfastshankill@nihe.gov.uk |
|
| Women’s Aid | 0800 917 1414 | info@womensaidni.org | |
| The Samaritans | 08457 909090 | jo@samaritans.org | |
| Childline | 0800 1111 | nireland@childline.org.uk | |
| Age NI | 0808 808 7575 | ||
| Contact | 0808 808 8000 | ||
| Forum for Action on Substance Abuse (FASA) | 02890 803040 | info@fasaonline.org | |
| Lighthouse | 02890 755070 | info@lighthouseireland.org |
Get involved |
| You can get involved with helping us to make your neighbourhood safer by telling us the issues that you think need to be addressed by attending one of your local partnership meetings. |
| Method of engagement | How to find out more |
| West Belfast Drugs and Alcohol Forum | Meetings take place on a monthly basis. Speak to Sergeant Wilson on 02890 700584 for more details. |
| DPP Meetings in Public | Speak to a local neighbourhood officer, or a member of your local DPP, or alternatively you can telephone the DPP on 02890 270684. |
| Upper Falls Community Safety Forum | Sergeant Wilson can provide more information on 02890 700584 or 07826 866 270. |
| Greater Shankill Community Safety Partnership | Inspector Boyd represents West Belfast within this partnership and can be contacted on 07795 607447 for more details. |
| Youth and Sport Clubs | Neighbourhood officers work with youth and sports clubs in the Whiterock area. For more details please contact Sergeant Wilson. |
| Pizza With Peelers Project | Involves young people and local police engaging in debate on a wide range of issues. For more details please contact Sergeant Wilson. |
| Citizenship and Safety Education (CASE) | Presentations delivered to young people through schools and educational groups. For more details please contact Constable Quaile or Constable Hunter. |
| Residents Groups | Neighbourhood officers engage regularly with residents groups to discuss and tackle community concerns. Details of groups are listed below, for further information please contact Sergeant Wilson. |
Contact your neighbourhood police officers for more details of where and when your next meeting will take place. If you are unable to come along to a meeting but have an issue that you would like to let us know about, please phone us on 0845 600 8000 Extension 21587, or any of the other numbers listed on this page, or send us an email at NPTGrosvenorRoad@psni.pnn.police.uk |
You Said We Did
Beechmount Alley Gate Scheme
Neighbourhood officers based at Grosvenor Road with responsibility for the Beechmount area have been working with local residents to combat anti social behaviour issues in the Beechmount Grove and Beechmount Crescent areas.
It has been established that young people engaging in anti social behaviour are using this alleyway as a short cut to enter the area to carry out anti social behaviour. Funding applications have been made to both BCC and Capital Invest Fund to have alley gates installed.
Constable Hunter, Grosvenor Road neighbourhood team is involved in discussions which are at an early stage regarding the establishment of a youth club to provide an alternative meeting place for young people in the area. Longer term solutions are also being considered which include the redevelopment of waste ground which will involve the participation to the young people in the community.
Road Safety Animal Welfare
During the first quarter of 2012 there was an increase in calls received from the public reporting horses loose on the road in the Hannahstown and Upper Springfield Road areas. As a result, the neighbourhood teams with responsibility for the local area spoke to local farmers to remind them of their responsibilities and remind them of associated dangers to their livestock on public roads.
A press release outlining the risks to both members of the public and the animals was issued, with the aim to increase community safety awareness of dangerous incidents which can occur in these circumstances.
In addition local officers sent letters to landowners in the area to outline a proactive approach which will be taken. The letters explained that police will apply relevant legislation such as, the Roads (NI) Order, Welfare of Animals Act (NI), animals Order (NI) and the Criminal Damage (NI) Order to prosecute owners, keepers and landlords renting land involving associated offences.
Rockville Residents Association
Neighbourhood officers based at Grosvenor Road have been working in partnership with the Rockville Residents Association, BCC and local councillors to target issues regarding drug misuse in the local area. As a result, additional patrols have taken place in the area and a positive reduction in the levels of drug misuse has been observed. Trees and bushes have also been cut back to improve visibility in the area so waste ground and alleyways are more open.
Officers have also distributed leaflets which provide useful information and details of local agencies who can be contacted by residents, for support and guidance with regard to dealing with community concerns.
Anti Burglary Patrols
In recent months officers with responsibility for the West Belfast area have carried out a number of dedicated anti burglary patrols in hotspot areas. Between January – March 2012 160 anti-burglary operations have been carried out across West Belfast targeting hotspot areas aiming to reduce burglary activity. Local neighbourhood officers continue to distribute anti burglary leaflets to homes and deliver burglary prevention guidance though local community groups.
Neighbourhood officers with responsibility for the Woodbourne area have been delivering leaflets and burglary prevention information to local Neighbourhood watch and church groups. Officers have also been involved in house to house enquires in areas where burglaries have taken place. It is hoped this engagement will continue to ensure that key crime prevention messages are communicated to residents throughout the local area and reduce the opportunities for people to be victims of these crimes.
Deaf Link Officer
Constable Taylor, a neighbourhood officer based at Woodbourne is the Deaf Link officer within A, B and C Districts which involves reviewing communication through the PSNI Emergency Text Service for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Speech Impaired. Constable Taylor reviews all reports received through the emergency text service to a certain appropriate police response, working in partnership with the Sensory Support Team of the Belfast Health Trust to establish contact and home visits as required. In recent months Constable Taylor has been involved in a number of anti social behaviour reports through this system ensuring that appropriate support is received by vulnerable members of the community.
Interface Patrols
Work continues at interface areas across West Belfast, officers have increased foot patrol visibility in recent months, in an effort to combat anti social behaviour in the area and increase engagement with members of the local community. Officers have been talking with parents to increase their awareness of interface activity involving young people, it is hoped this increased partnership will encourage young people not to participate in interface violence.
Burglary Investigation Update
Detectives from Grosvenor Road police stationhave continued their investigation into the burglary and arson at St. John’s Gaelic Athletic Club on the Whiterock Road where significant fire damage was caused to the property.
The previous arrest of a 19 year old male resulted in him being remanded in custody on charges connected to the burglary and arson.In addition, and as aresult of further enquiries,a 24 year oldmale and a 17 year old male have also been arrested and charged with burglary and arson. All three males are due to appear at Laganside Court in February 2012 in connection with these charges.
Commenting on the incident, Detective Constable Savage said:
“There was approximately £200,000 worth of damage caused by this arson and the incident impacted considerably on the local community, as the buildingis used by a diverse range of age groups for many different activities.
“The police investigation into this incident has been thorough and rigorous. I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the local community who provided support as this has been invaluable in moving the investigation forward.”
Belfast Alley Gating Scheme – Partnership Working Secures Results
The results of phase 3 of the Belfast Alley Gating Scheme were announced in December by Belfast City Council Health & Environmental Committee. As a result of effective and true partnership working it was confirmed that the following areas would have alley gates installed:
- Beechview Park (top alley)
- Monagh Road
- Norglen Court
- Rock Grove
- New Barnsley Crescent
This demonstrates how integrated working between Belfast City Council, elected representatives, Upper Springfield Community Safety Forum, PSNI, and local residents, can produce results that will have a meaningful impact on the quality of life for those in the local area.
Reports of Quad and Scrambler Misuse, Highfield Area
Police received reports regards a number of youths riding quads in and around the Highfield area. Officers’ initial response included distributing leaflets to homes to advise about the dangers of such activities and to warn of the legal implications.
Despite these warnings, quads continued to be reported in the area and one was subsequently seized by Constable Patton for which an owner is yet to be located.Police are also working alongside local counsellors to have an article put into the Shankill Mirror about quad and scrambler misuse.
Tackling Car Crime in West Belfast
Police officers in West Belfast have been focusing on interventions that can contribute to a reduction in car crime. Activity has ranged from paying close attention to prolific offenders and providing crime prevention advice to motorists, who may be at risk from having valuables stolen from their vehicles.
In one particular incident, where a Mazda MX-5 was stolen and driven erratically, mounting footpaths and spinning on the road in front of homes in the Ross Road area, police persistence resulted in two males being arrested in connection with the incident.
As a result of the strenuous objections to High Court Bail, which were made by an officer from the Grosvenor Road Crime Team, the Judge acknowledged that there was ‘clear evidence of the possibility of serious further offences being committed’ and ‘the clear risk to public safety’, and subsequently the bail application was refused.
Commenting on the matter Inspector Watton said, “We have and continue to make a concerted effort to tackle car crime. A focused crime prevention campaign has been implemented in the Lower Falls area to make car owners aware of the need to remove valuables from sight and we are using all channels available to maintain our focus on identified prolific offenders, who steal vehicles. The joined up approach by the Auto Crime Team, Response, Neighbourhood Teams and CID is having a positive impact.”
Invitation to Local Police to Upper Springfield Community Relations Youth Programme
A Neighbourhood officer has recently been invited to sit on the steering group for the Upper Springfield Community Relations Youth Programme run by Corpus Christi Youth Services. This is an engagement programme designed to bring young people from all communities together. More information can be made available as the programme develops.
Domestic Abuse Update
The Domestic Abuse Unit continues to attend the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) Operational group which allows discussion of practice and practice issues and the sharing of information aimed to promote consistent good working practices. Officers have also been in attendance at the Domestic violence Partnership which aims to increase awareness and reduce incidents of Domestic Violence. The website for this partnership can be viewed at www.belfastdvp.co.uk which has many links to supportive groups and agencies.
A review of working practices within the Domestic Violence Unit has been conducted and plans are underway to create a more investigative aspect to the Domestic Abuse office from April 2012. It is anticipated the changes will assist local officers to improve the service they deliver by providing both support to victims of domestic crimes and targeting high risk offenders.
A District has referred 272 victims through the MARAC process between April 2011 and March 2012.
Domestic Violence Awareness Presentation
On 9th March 2012 a Domestic Abuse Officer attended Belfast Metropolitan College alongside our Women’s Aid representative who is attached to the A District Domestic Abuse office. A presentation was given to student social workers on the role of both the Domestic Abuse Unit and Women’s Aid which provided the students with an opportunity to gain insight into the different roles, responsibilities and provisions of a multi agency approach to tackling domestic violence.
Neighbourhood Watch / Residents Groups / District Policing PartnershipNeighbourhood Watch Police are keen to be involved in and assist with Neighbourhood Watch groups across West Belfast. Should anyone be interested in starting up a Neighbourhood Watch in their local area, please speak to your local Neighbourhood Sergeant. Contact details are on these pages. Residents Groups Beechmount Residents Association - Constable Hunter or Constable Keon can be contacted on the numbers listed on this page for more details. District Policing Partnership Councillor Tim Attwood is the Chair of the West Belfast Sub-Group of the Belfast District Policing Partnership. DPP Contact Details: Belfast District Policing Partnership, North Belfast Sub-Group |
Neighbourhood News
A District Newsletter
Edition 1, December 2011 (PDF, 610.3 KB)
Policing with the Community activities in North and West Belfast
Crime Prevention advice for a Safe Christmas
Contact details for local police
Last updated:
24 April 2012
