03/02/2004

Anti Car Crime Project receives international accolade

An inter-agency scheme aimed at tackling car crime in West Belfast has been awarded for its work at a reception in London.

The IMPACT project, which is operated with the Probation Board of Northern Ireland (PBNI) and involves the local community working in partnership with a number of public bodies in tackling car crime, was awarded the prestigious International Community Justice Award at the Probation 2004 Conference in London.

Commenting on the success, NIO Minister, John Spellar said: "I am delighted that this innovative scheme, which brings together local people and public bodies in tackling car crime in West Belfast, has attracted international acclaim. The Probation Board of Northern Ireland and its partners in this important scheme are to be congratulated on their ground-breaking work.

"The IMPACT project highlights the value of working with local communities as an important means of effectively combating the scourge of car crime."

The IMPACT project was initiated by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland following approaches by parents in the greater West Belfast area in 1999 wishing to have a co-ordinated response to car crime in their area.

PBNI responded by co-ordinating a number of agencies and the community to develop the project

(MB)

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