AQW 15224/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 23/02/2021
Answered On Date: 10/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on any work her Department is involved with in relation to combatting the rising incidence of gun crime in the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

Answer:

Gun crime should be a particular concern for us all. These crimes are frequently linked to drugs, intimidation, and community control and can be perpetrated by organised criminal gangs, including paramilitary organisations. They cause serious harm to individuals and communities and we should, collectively, be using all the resources available to us to bring them to an end.

I will write to the Chief Constable to ask for his assessment of the situation and to provide an update on his strategy and approach with a view to engaging other agencies, where appropriate, to work together to address the harm caused by this activity.