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15/05/2006
PSNI launch helpline to combat extortion
The PSNI has set up a new telephone helpline to help tackle the problem of extortion in Northern Ireland.
The helpline is aimed to provide victims of extortion with an initial easy point of contact where advice and assistance are available.
Police believe that extortionists, many of them paramilitaries, are making millions of pounds a year by their unwarranted demands with menaces against the construction industry and business sector, with only a small percentage of victims of extortion actually reporting the matter to police.
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Phil Aiken, head of the Police Service's Organised Crime Unit, said police wanted to make it as easy as possible for victims to get help. He said: "Officers will be available to offer advice and provide assistance to those who are victims of extortion and who are prepared to report it. We have systems in place to ensure those who come forward are looked after properly.
"Last year the Extortion Unit mounted a significant number of operations and made 26 arrests. We could do much more but we need victims to work with us.
"By its very nature, extortion is a particularly difficult crime to combat. We want to provide as much support as possible for victims and this is one very public aspect of that assistance."
Mr Aiken continued by saying that this is another example of our long-term commitment to crack down on organised crime in Northern Ireland and that the PSNI are aware that there are no quick fix solutions to the problem, however added that they will do all in their power to protect the community.
The helpline number is 028 9092 2267, and will be staffed by officers from the PSNI Extortion Unit from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4pm.
Alternately, If staff are not available, an answering service will operate, however if the matter is of an urgent nature, then callers should contact their local police or, if it is an emergency, they should dial 999.
(EF/SP)
The helpline is aimed to provide victims of extortion with an initial easy point of contact where advice and assistance are available.
Police believe that extortionists, many of them paramilitaries, are making millions of pounds a year by their unwarranted demands with menaces against the construction industry and business sector, with only a small percentage of victims of extortion actually reporting the matter to police.
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Phil Aiken, head of the Police Service's Organised Crime Unit, said police wanted to make it as easy as possible for victims to get help. He said: "Officers will be available to offer advice and provide assistance to those who are victims of extortion and who are prepared to report it. We have systems in place to ensure those who come forward are looked after properly.
"Last year the Extortion Unit mounted a significant number of operations and made 26 arrests. We could do much more but we need victims to work with us.
"By its very nature, extortion is a particularly difficult crime to combat. We want to provide as much support as possible for victims and this is one very public aspect of that assistance."
Mr Aiken continued by saying that this is another example of our long-term commitment to crack down on organised crime in Northern Ireland and that the PSNI are aware that there are no quick fix solutions to the problem, however added that they will do all in their power to protect the community.
The helpline number is 028 9092 2267, and will be staffed by officers from the PSNI Extortion Unit from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4pm.
Alternately, If staff are not available, an answering service will operate, however if the matter is of an urgent nature, then callers should contact their local police or, if it is an emergency, they should dial 999.
(EF/SP)
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