Pictured at the launch are (l-r) Mercury Security Regional Operations Director for Ireland and UK, Liam Cullen, community warden Michael Collins, Safer Communities Partnership Manager Janine Hillen, Councillor Willie Clarke, Chairperson of the Policing & Community Partnership, and community warden Pete McClaren.
MERCURY Security Management, Northern Ireland’s biggest independent security management company, has been awarded the contract to provide a wardens community safety scheme by Down District Council.
The scheme will see Mercury, which has extensive experience of providing similar initiatives in different areas of Northern Ireland, provide a number of highly trained security wardens to patrol the streets of Newcastle, Downpatrick and Newry
The wardens will provide a high profile ‘reassuring presence’ for residents, shoppers and visitors to the areas and will liaise with stakeholders and local authorities in relation to any potential issues or anti-social behaviour identified.
Other services provided by the wardens will include cautionary advice in relation to litter offences, liaising with retailers and reporting back on any issues raised, and assisting visitors with tourism information and helping them reach their destinations.
“The introduction of the warden scheme is an excellent service for the all the young and old of the Down District,” said Councillor Willie Clarke, Chairperson of the Policing & Community Partnership. “Our local people will no doubt feel safer in knowing that we have the trained security wardens from Mercury Security bringing additional manpower to our streets, villages and towns.
“The wardens will be there to assist all the community and help them in many issues no matter how big or small that that could face them on a daily basis. Our wardens will work alongside the Council’s existing services that include Council Enforcement Officers, the PSNI and many other government agencies who are here to help all in the down area,” he added.
Mr Liam Cullen, Regional Ireland & UK Operations Director, Mercury Security Management Ltd, commented: “We are delighted to have been appointed by Down District Council to supply trained community safety wardens to the Down areas. Our community wardens will work will all the local residents young and old to improve their safety and living standards. We will also work with Council agencies and stakeholders who wish the Down area to become a safer environment for our young and old folk. We would encourage everyone to please feel free to stop with our wardens and have a friendly chat.
“Our wardens will be issuing contact cards to residents with a dedicated phone number and if you need their help please do call. Our uniformed community safety Wardens will offer and promote community reassurance and we hope this will lead to a reduction in crime and, most importantly, the community’s perception of crime,” concluded Mr. Cullen.
Mercury Security has operated similar community warden schemes very successfully in Ballymena, Broughshane, Crumlin and Antrim.
Founded in 2001, Mercury Security Management Ltd operates out of offices in Lisburn, London and the Republic of Ireland and offers a wide range of services including CCTV remote monitoring, manned guarding and concierge services, key-holding and alarm response, satellite-tracked mobile patrols, staff and vehicle escort services, lone worker monitoring, vehicle and asset tracking, approved and accredited training.
