Community Safety Strabane

15/09/2025

Are you this parent?

A twelve-year-old child was found intoxicated and dangerously close to the river. Emergency services were tasked out of genuine concern for the child’s safety. Alcohol, slippery surfaces and open water are a deadly mix. A child in the river is something none of us want to even imagine.

What’s harder still to accept are the claims that the alcohol was provided by their own parent. Whatever the rights or wrongs you may feel – and it is wrong – the attendance of emergency services automatically triggers a referral to Social Services.

That is not a path you want to go down, as it can open up a whole can of worms.

If advice cannot be taken on board to protect a child, then intervention will follow – because losing a child to alcohol and water is unthinkable.

Sadly, the rise in children mixing alcohol and waterways is on the increase, and it’s only a matter of time before tragedy strikes.

If this is your child, please see, read and act before it’s too late. Take this advice in the spirit it’s intended – as a chance to put things right before a more formal knock on the door comes.
Actions now can prevent heartbreak later.

03/09/2025

Please be thoughtful towards your community...

Fireworks! A Time for Safety, Care, and Respect!

Fireworks have already begun to light up the skies.
While they can bring fun and excitement, it’s important to remember the dangers they bring and the impact they have on others.

Fireworks are explosives, they can cause serious burns, eye injuries, and lifelong scars if mishandled.

Every year, young people end up in hospital because of accidents that could have been avoided.

A single careless spark can start fires, putting homes, families, and communities at risk.

They have an impact on others:

Pets, Loud bangs and flashes cause severe distress. Dogs, cats, and other animals often shake, hide, or even run away in fear.

Elderly and Vulnerable Neighbours, Sudden loud noises can be frightening, confusing, and deeply unsettling, particularly for those living alone or in poor health.

Young Children, Fireworks near homes can wake and terrify little ones.

A Message to Young People:

Halloween should be about fun, friendship, and community spirit.

Please:
Be safe, think about your neighbours, pets, and the wider community before setting off fireworks.

Be responsible, Enjoy Halloween and the run up to it without causing harm or distress. A little care goes a long way in keeping everyone safe, happy, and included.

03/09/2025

Now the children are back to school, teach your child how to be safer around school buses.🚍
You, as a parent or guardian, are responsible for your child’s safety.
More info>>> www.sharetheroadtozero.com/back-to-school-stay-safe-around-school-buses

Department for Infrastructure NI Road Policing and Safety Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Department of Education NI Education Authority Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland Policing and Community Safety Partnerships Road Safe NI Charity Road Victim Support Northern Ireland-Donegal The Road Ahead NI

03/09/2025

Better looking at them, than for them.

REMEMBER - KEEP MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN....

ASPIRIN

Aspirin is one of the simplest and most effective treatments you can take in a suspected heart attack situation. You may be asked during an 999 call if you have have some at home.

DO YOU?

PLEASE NOTE

Do not take Aspirin if:
* You have a known allergy to aspirin.
* You have been told by a doctor never to take it.
* You have active major bleeding.

Also please remember to keep ALL medicines out out the reach of children.

02/09/2025

BE ADVISED...

01/09/2025

Have you a Halloween project you wish to deliver? Can you include a community safety element? If so we may be able to help with some funding!

This funding can be used towards your project, equipment, trips - you decide.

To qualify your project must involve young people and a few community safety workshops.

Interested let us know your project via the link below:
https://form.jotform.com/251644604621048

16/08/2025

Why Not Apply for £500 Funding?

Sporting organisations and clubs are at the very heart of our communities, trusted places where young people feel welcome, supported, and inspired. By applying for this £500 funding, your club can play a vital role in building safer, stronger communities.

This funding allows you to host community safety workshops, designed to raise awareness and give young people the tools to make safer choices in their daily lives. Invite an Emergency Service of your choice to engage directly with your young people which in turn will provide a unique opportunity to:

Educate young people on key issues such as anti-social behaviour, personal safety, online safety, substance misuse, and respect within the community.

Empower them with life skills and knowledge to make positive decisions on and off the pitch.

Strengthen relationships between young people and the Emergency Services, building trust and breaking down barriers.

Demonstrate your club’s leadership in not just sport, but in shaping responsible, community-minded citizens.

By delivering these workshops, your club can show it values the safety and wellbeing of its young members just as much as their sporting success.

Apply now:
You can find our form "Strabane Diversionary Funding" at: https://form.jotform.com/251644604621048

15/08/2025

REMOVE THE POTENTIAL FOR ACCIDENTS BY REMOVING UNWANTED DRUGS....

13/08/2025

Whilst some places will remain dry, heavy showers and thunderstorms could cause disruption on Thursday.

YELLOW Warning for THUNDERSTORMS between 0000hrs and 2200hrs on Thursday 14 August 2025.

The Met Office has issued a YELLOW WARNING FOR THUNDERSTORMS – Very Low Likelihood of Medium Impacts.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings #?date=2020-10-31&id=1602e960-09cf-4d07-b597-972120cad353

What To Expect

There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life
Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads

Met Office – Further Details

Whilst not all areas will be affected, heavy showers and thunderstorms may develop in places during the early hours of Thursday and into Thursday morning, perhaps merging into some larger areas of rain. Where heavy downpours occur, 20-40 mm of rain could accumulate in less than an hour, bringing the risk of some surface water flooding. Hail and lightning will be additional hazards.

Further scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms are then likely to develop on Thursday afternoon and evening across portions of central and eastern Scotland in particular. These will be rather slow-moving, potentially giving isolated accumulations of 40-60 mm in an hour, with a higher likelihood of some impacts from surface water flooding. Showers and thunderstorms should slowly decay during the mid to late evening.

**What Should I Do?

Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.

Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

Met Office UK weather warnings for rain, wind, snow, ice, fog, thunderstorm, lightning and extreme heat.

10/08/2025

Community Safety Notice

We are deeply concerned to learn of the recent robbery in Lisnafin Park, Strabane. Our sincere thoughts are with those affected, and we share the community’s anger and frustration that such an act could take place in our neighbourhood.

While investigations are ongoing, we would encourage all residents to take simple steps to help protect their homes:

Ensure doors and windows are locked, even when at home.

Use timers for lights if you are out after dark.

Keep valuables out of sight from windows.

Report any suspicious activity immediately.

Ask your neighbour to keep an eye, and you do so for them.

Let’s continue to look out for each other and work together to keep our areas safe.

Masked men armed with crowbar smash up house in Strabane.

https://wearetyrone.com/news/masked-men-armed-with-crowbar-smash-up-house-in-strabane/

06/08/2025

Dangers Faced by Children and Older People Exiting Buses

From a Bus Driver’s Perspective

As a bus driver, one of the most concerning and overlooked dangers we face daily involves the moments when passengers particularly children and older people are exiting the bus.

These individuals are among the most vulnerable road users. Children can be unpredictable, sometimes stepping out without looking properly. Older passengers often move slower, may have mobility issues, and require more time and care when alighting. Yet, despite these obvious risks, what we witness on the roads is a dangerous mix of impatience, excessive speed, and reckless driving from other motorists.

Many drivers refuse to slow down when they see a bus stopped, even when visibility around the bus is reduced. In some cases, drivers accelerate to overtake the bus without considering that someone especially a child might be stepping into the road from in front or behind it.

Impatience is a major factor. We often hear car horns blaring moments after the bus stops, pressuring us to move on quickly, even when we’re trying to ensure someone exits safely. This pressure compromises safety, particularly for older passengers who may need extra time to descend the steps or retrieve a walking aid.

Reckless or unaware drivers present a constant threat. Too often, we see drivers on their phones, distracted, or ignoring basic road courtesy and safety. There is little regard for the fact that children might dart across the road or that an elderly passenger might need a few seconds to cross safely.

There needs to be greater awareness and respect from other road users. Slowing down near buses, being patient, and remembering that lives especially those of our most vulnerable are at risk and you can make a significant difference.

As drivers of public transport, we do our best to keep our passengers safe, but we need the public and other motorists to play their part too.

We welcome this new government initiative and call on all motorists to play their part... the next casualty could be your loved one...

06/08/2025

The Effects of Drugs in Our Community

Drug misuse continues to have a devastating impact on our community – socially, economically, and emotionally. What may begin as personal experimentation can rapidly escalate into a community-wide crisis affecting families, schools, emergency services, and public safety. Dealings are that common place now that some dealers fear no consequence and deal openly from their homes and public spaces.

Antisocial Behaviour (ASB):

Drug use is often a key driver behind increased antisocial behaviour. Public intoxication, disorderly conduct, vandalism, noise complaints, and intimidation in local areas make people feel unsafe and disconnected. This contributes to a breakdown in community cohesion and trust.

Assaults and Violence:

Substance misuse can significantly increase aggression and impulsivity, often leading to verbal or physical assaults. Many local incidents of domestic violence, street fights, and other violent crimes are directly linked to drug influence or drug-related disputes. This places a massive strain on our Statutory Services and Public Purse.

Mental Health and Su***de:

Drug misuse is both a cause and consequence of poor mental health. Individuals often turn to drugs to cope with trauma, depression, anxiety, or hopelessness, only to find themselves further isolated and vulnerable. Tragically, this spiral can lead to self-harm and su***de. Our community has already felt the painful loss of too many lives.

Youth Impact:

Young people are especially at risk. Drugs not only harm their health and potential but also expose them to criminal networks, exploitation, and peer pressure. A lack of guidance, opportunity, or safe spaces makes it easier for vulnerable youth to fall into this dangerous path.

Community Burden:

From increased crime rates to overcrowded hospitals and overwhelmed support services, the wider community bears the burden. Drug misuse can fuel cycles of poverty, homelessness, and family breakdown, all of which make long-term recovery and prevention even more difficult.

What We Need:

We must shift from silence to support, from judgement to prevention, and from reaction to early intervention. Better access to rehabilitation, youth engagement programs, education, community policing, and mental health services is critical if we are to reduce the grip of drugs on our community.

We appeal to all to seek assistance for any addiction and to use local drug bins to dispose of any unwanted drugs.