Northern Ireland crime increase
Crime across Northern Ireland has risen. In 2014/15 there were 94 victims as a result of paramilitary-style attacks, 24 more than the previous year. Drug seizure incidents increased, by 5.8%, and 2,831 people were arrested for drug offences. There were also increases in hate crime: for example, racist incidents increased by 374, from 982 to 1,356. Northern Ireland’s Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris said, ‘We have seen a slight increase of 2.3% in recorded crime for 2014/15, which unfortunately is similar to the wider trend that is being experienced right across the UK. Like all public sector organisations, we are operating in an environment of reduced budgets and fewer personnel to deliver against the same volume of calls for service.'
People with learning disabilities 'targeted by groomers'
An adult with Learning Disabilities (LD) is a vulnerable adult aged 18 years or over, who may be in need of community care and unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation. Over the years most institutions have closed and vulnerable people have moved into more independent living. This carries risks. People with LD often live in blocks of flats in gang areas. It's like walking around with a label saying 'I'm a vulnerable person'. Mencap say that adults with LD are four times more likely to suffer sexual abuse. Police chiefs and disability groups are aware that people with LD are at risk of being targeted by groomers. Unfortunately, should friends or relatives of a victim of abuse alert social services or police on behalf of the victim, they are told, ‘We cannot do anything because the victim is an adult and can make their own choices’.
No to the West Ham ‘mega-mosque’
In March, the Government put off a decision on whether to allow an appeal against Newham Council’s refusal of planning permission for the West Ham ‘mega-mosque’. Now that the General Election is over a decision could be made within days. If built, it would be the largest place of worship in Europe, accommodating between 10,000 and 40,000 worshippers. The fundamentalist group behind it are associated with convicted and dead Islamic terrorists. People are being asked to write to their MPs, asking them to ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to refuse the appeal for the West Ham ‘mega-mosque’, and also to join them for prayer at the site on 6 June between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
IS terrorists warn of imminent attack on streets of London
Cyber-jihadists linked to the IS are waging a war of terror online - threatening an imminent attack on London streets. Using the hashtag #LondonAttacks, IS fighters announced their plans for a London bombing campaign. The sick boasts include pictures of machine guns piled into the back of a car with the words, ‘Bismillah (in the name of God) we are coming’. Another user tweeted ‘just taught how to make suicide belt by my brother - will be using in #LondonAttack’ alongside a photo of what appears to be a crudely-made package wrapped in duct-tape. The messages come amid ongoing concerns about the rise of IS-affiliated groups operating in the West. A manual circulated online also shares tips for ‘how to survive in the West', including options would-be terrorists have for smuggling weapons in cars and evading the security services. One user claimed Floral Street, Covent Garden was an intended target. See also
