16/03/2004

Local police target 'runabout' vehicles

Police have seized 40 unlicensed vehicles during a local Lisburn initiative aimed at removing so-called 'runabout' cars from streets in the area.

Superintendent Gerry Murray stressed that the operation was undertaken following analysis from an 'Operation Clean Up' scheme, which targeted Greater Belfast just over a year ago.

"This analysis showed that crime within the target areas which included arson, theft of petrol, domestic burglaries and thefts from, and of cars was significantly reduced," he said.

"Users of such 'runabout' vehicles show a disregard for the law in terms of unlicensed and very often uninsured use and statistics show that these vehicles appear to be involved in a disproportionate number of road traffic collisions."

Superintendent Murray said officers had been targeting areas including Twinbrook, Poleglass, and Seymour Hill from 6am yesterday morning.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

20 November 2024
Roads Service Ready For Winter Weather
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has confirmed that the Department's winter service team is prepared to tackle the current cold snap. Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are ready to salt main roads, while 12 snow blowers are available for deployment if necessary. To ensure a comprehensive winter service, the Department has allocated £3.
18 November 2024
Pedestrian Dies Following Road Traffic Collision Ikn West Belfast
A female pedestrian in her 70s has tragically died following a road traffic collision in west Belfast on Saturday, 9th November. The incident occurred on Hannahstown Hill shortly after 6:50pm when two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle. Emergency services attended the scene, and the injured pedestrians were taken to hospital.
27 September 2024
Alliance Health Spokesperson Criticises Cancer Waiting List Delays
Nuala McAllister, a spokesperson for the Alliance Party's health portfolio, has expressed deep concern over the latest cancer waiting list times in Northern Ireland. She emphasised that health transformation is essential for reducing delays and ensuring patients receive timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
12 April 2018
New Dissident Group Will 'Actively Target Crown Forces'
A new Belfast-based dissident republican group, calling themselves the Irish Republican Movement (IRM), have issued a death threat to anyone who is involved in the drugs trade. It is understood that the group released an image of a number of heavily armed men alongside a statement to the Irish News.
19 June 2012
Recycle 60% Of Waste, Says Environment Minister
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced his plans to introduce a statutory 60% recycling target for Northern Irish households. The target goes beyond the 50% household waste recycling rate requirement set out by Europe and will have to be achieved by 2020.