Police in Derry & Strabane respond to 171 weekend emergency and priority calls

Police in Derry City & Strabane responded to 171 emergency and priority calls between Friday morning, 19th April to Sunday, 21st April.

These calls included a wide range of issues, including domestic-related incidents, missing person reports and drug-related incidents.

Officers also responded to reports of assault, criminal damage and vehicle-related incidents. Friday evening saw disorder develop in the Lone Moor Road area of the city.

On Saturday, officers from District assisted colleagues with searches, and dealt with incidents including a protest at retail premises in the city.

During this weekend period, more than two dozen arrests were made; with 13 people charged to Court for a range of offences.

Superintendent Pete Brannigan said: "Generally, the past weekend saw our officers deal with a wide range of matters, many involving people experiencing a crisis in their lives and in need of immediate help.

“We worked with partners agencies, including health sector colleagues, in relation to some of these calls.

“We encourage anyone who finds themselves in a situation where they need help to call us on 101; always in an emergency, 999.”

Superintendent Brannigan added: "The weekend also saw a number of calls in relation to sextortion and suspicious callers. One report was of a suspicious call to a house in the wider Strabane area of a person who said they were looking for scrap metal, and selling tools.

“Not all cold callers are rogue traders but, some are and, if you feel that something isn't quite right, it usually isn't. Report any activity that raises your suspicions to police immediately.

“This is a good way to alert us so we can investigate - and will help deter criminals and reduce crime in your area.

"The weekend also saw reports of online blackmail of an intimate or sexual nature, commonly known as ‘sextortion’.

"Typically, a person uses a false identity to befriend a victim on social media. The exchange may start with flirting or flattery, but ends with the victim coaxed into sending intimate images or performing sexual acts online, unwittingly in front of a camera. Behind the fake and attractive guise, there’s a criminal.

“These people are often part of sophisticated and organised crime groups, mostly based overseas. They extort their victims by threatening to share those images or recordings unless demands for money are met.

“Please don’t get lured or pushed into compromising situations. Trust your gut, and end uncomfortable situations immediately. But, if you’ve been a victim of sextortion, then you’re certainly not alone.

“Innocent people are left feeling humiliated and distraught. While I appreciate it’s truly difficult, the important message is not to let embarrassment stop you from reporting what’s happened and contact officers immediately on 101."