Police in Causeway Coast and Glens District conducted an extensive safety operation for the duration of the bank holiday period.

Policing with the community in the North Coast is all about working together to ensure that our towns are safe and vibrant areas for people to live, work and visit.

Causeway Coast and Glens Superintendent, Yvonne McManus said: “We received and responded to a number of concerns in relation to reports of traffic disruption, anti-social behaviour, excessive noise and dangerous driving, as well as illegal car modifications.

“Thank you to all of our partners for their assistance with keeping those who visited the area safe – this was a very busy period for everyone involved.

“We do recognise that some disruption was caused during this time – and we thank local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding.”

Superintendent McManus continued: “In the run up to the Easter period we conducted extensive engagement with the local community, as well as road safety operations in the North Coast.

“We are here to listen to your concerns – and a public meeting will now take place in due course for residents and business owners so their concerns can be appropriately addressed and actioned.

“Over the course of the bank holiday weekend nine people were arrested for offences ranging from disorderly behaviour, excess alcohol and possession of an offensive weapon. We also had fifty-four alcohol seizures in the area.

“There were also 34 endorsable tickets and 179 non-endorsable tickets issued to road users during this period.

“In line with last year, a vehicle safety operation was also launched in conjunction with the DVA.

“While some individuals were responsible, engaging with our officers, the behaviour of minority created safety risks, which is not representative of responsible car enthusiasts.

“Forty-seven vehicles were examined, with two released with nothing wrong noted, and 21 seized for being in a dangerous condition.

“Twenty-four drivers were also issued with fixed penalty notices for defects to their vehicles. A driver of one of these vehicles was also noted to have been previously disqualified.

“Four drivers had no insurance, and officers conducted 26 Preliminary Breath Tests (PBT).”

The District Commander continued: “In addition, Safety Camera Vans were deployed at locations across the North Coast, and there were 560 detections for excess speed.

“Speeding is one of the Fatal Five: slow down and do not exceed the posted speed limit and drive appropriate to the road conditions; don’t drink or take drugs and drive, don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone or any device that distracts you while driving.

“We will now take time to review the weekend’s policing operation and continue our engagement with partner agencies, residents and local businesses.

“This will help us inform planning and implement other measures that we can potentially use for future busy holiday periods in the North Coast. We want the area to be a safe space that everyone can enjoy peacefully and safely.”