Police on the Beat on Belfast’s Streets for 2nd Year Running

Police on the Beat on Belfast’s Streets for 2^nd Year Running

Business leaders in the Linen Quarter and Cathedral Quarter, have announced their partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland will be renewed for a second year. The initiative, dubbed #StreetBeat, funds additional PSNI officers for the two city centre districts. The service is also being extended to the Ulster University with dedicated police officers providing enhanced patrols across their Belfast campus.

Over the last 12 months the additional high visibility patrols have helped reduce crime and anti-social behaviour as well as improve local perceptions of safety.

Chris McCracken, Managing Director at Linen Quarter BID, said:

“We are delighted that our successful partnership with the PSNI has been renewed for a second year. Effective policing is the foundation of a safe and secure district and the dedicated officers have not only deterred crime but enhanced pubic confidence with sustained engagement and problem solving.”

PSNI South Belfast Chief Inspector Gavin Kirkpatrick, added:

“PSNI are delighted to continue working with partners to deliver a bespoke policing service, driven by the needs of our local business districts to create a safer city centre space for those visiting, working and living here. We welcome the enhanced input from Ulster University, particularly as the campus expands substantially in the city and look forward to building on the foundations of what has become a this successful partnership approach to addressing issues that arise in this growing part of the city.”

Damien Corr, Cathedral Quarter BID Manager, said:

“The Streetbeat initiative has been successful in the Cathedral Quarter since inception, quickly establishing itself as one of the Signature services of the area. The Streetbeat officers have embedded themselves in the fabric of the district promoting confidence and peace of mind among businesses and visitors alike. We are delighted that the University have come onboard and we are confident that they will see the benefits in no time. The University’s investment along with the Cathedral Quarter and Linen Quarter BIDs is making a significant contribution to the establishment of the wider area as an attractive destination to work, learn and relax in”.

Judith Hamilton, Ulster University’s Head of Facilities Services, commented:

“As semester one of academic year 20/21 is now underway and Ulster University has welcomed a limited number of students back onto campus, we are proud to partner with the Street Beat initiative to further strengthen the safety of our student and staff community in Belfast. With the construction of Ulster University’s new Belfast campus continuing apace, the University is committed to working in partnership with our neighbours in the Linen and Cathedral Quarters to deliver positive outcomes in our neighbouring communities and beyond.”

LQ and CQ BIDs work to help shape the regeneration and improvement of their districts. The BIDs actively promote greater public and private investment, but also advocate a much greater focus on liveability, with new public spaces and squares, improved residential development, and greater priority for walking, cycling, and public transport. A safe and secure city provides the foundation for this wider approach.