Special crime unit brought in to hunt down ciminal gangs

A special police unit has been set up to hunt down criminal gangs who are carrying out aggravated burglaries and robberies across Northern Ireland.

This move follows a spate of attacks on the homes of pensioners in County Antrim and Down, and the special investigation unit has pledged to bring the people responsible to justice.

Chief Superintendent Drew Harris will be heading the special crime unit and today spoke of how he intends to stop the terrorisation of pensioners in the community.

He said: "Our focus is on very serious, very prolific offenders working mainly in well organised criminal gangs.

"We want to take them out of circulation. The public wants to see them taken out of circulation."

Police District Commanders, the Crime Operations Department and specialist Tactical Support Group officers will be involved in the operation, along with social services, community and voluntary groups, and they will also liaise with Gardai.

The announcement of this new unit comes after two separate attacks on pensioners in County Down left the victims severely traumatised by the ordeal.

Chief Superintendent Harris added: "This type of crime strikes at the very heart of our communities, right into the homes of our friends and neighbours.

"We are determined to catch these criminals. And we believe we will.

"Police will continue to give crime prevention advice and support."

He concluded that it is important that the public keep an eye out for the more vulnerable people in the community.

(EF/SP)