Antrim area parades peaceful
13 Jul 2010
Police in Antrim have praised local communities and their representatives for helping to make this year's 12th July period the quietest in recent times. The District hosted two of the flagship parades in Antrim and Hillsborough this year - both passing off without incident.
Local Commander Chief Inspector Simon Walls said: "I want to pass my thanks to everyone who contributed to the lack of trouble locally over the very busy Twelfth weekend. I fully recognise the significant efforts of event organisers and political representatives in ensuring that the bonfires and parades passed off well.
"Success does not happen by itself. My officers have worked hard to ensure that parades and events passed off without incident, but the successful policing operation was made possible by the very positive contribution from the communities and their representatives in the lead up to and during the Twelfth. A significant number of meetings were held with event organisers and local representatives to ensure that we were all seeking to achieve the same goal,“ he said.
"The Police Service also worked closely with parade and event organisers and other key partners and took a robust approach to underage and on-street drinking during the Twelfth of July parades and significant numbers of alcohol seizures were made.
"This was part of an overall strategy to reduce the consumption of alcohol in public which often leads to anti-social behaviour and crime. A significant amount of alcohol was disposed of right across Northern Ireland today.
We welcome the co-operation we have received from the Orange Order, parades organisers, and key partners in addressing this important issue," CI Walls concluded.
