'Completely unacceptable' that Rasharkin Orange Hall attacked 51 times in 30 years

POLICE say that they have ‘a robust and comprehensive policing plan’ in place to deal with sectarian hate crimes directed at Rasharkin Orange Hall.

This was revealed after a BBC news feature reported that the hall had been attacked 51 times in 30 years, with Rasharkin Chosen Few claiming it was the most attacked hall in Northern Ireland. They also claimed their confidence in policing was low.

Since then North Antrim unionist representatives have released statements condemning the situation.

UUP leader and MLA Jon Burrows said that 51 attacks is ‘completely unacceptable.’

He said: “Fifty-one incidents against one Orange Hall is a shocking figure and should concern everyone, regardless of their background.

“No community should have to put up with this level of intimidation simply because they want to peacefully celebrate their culture, heritage and traditions.

“The fact that members feel they cannot safely park outside their own hall or hold events in the evening demonstrates the very real impact these attacks are having.

“This goes far beyond damage to a building. An attack on an Orange Hall is an attack on the people who use it and an attempt to make an entire section of the community feel intimidated and unwelcome.

“I am also concerned by the loss of confidence in policing expressed by members of the lodge. I welcome the PSNI's commitment to a robust policing plan, but confidence will ultimately be rebuilt through effective policing, meaningful engagement and seeing those responsible brought to justice.

“There can be no place for sectarianism in North Antrim. Whether an attack is directed against an Orange Hall, a GAA club, a church or any other community facility.

“I have reached out directly to Rasharkin Chosen Few and offered to meet with lodge members.

As their local MLA, they have my full support.”

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew said: "What has happened in Rasharkin cannot be dismissed. It comes against a backdrop of sustained attacks on Orange property and increasingly hostile rhetoric aimed at the Orange community. “Orange halls are at the heart of communities right across Northern Ireland. They host bands, church groups, community events and families. An attack on a hall is an attack on that whole community.” He called upon the Justice Minister and the police to step up.

Commenting, TUV North Antrim MP Jim Allister, said:

“The PSNI must do better. Its action plan must now be subjected to rigorous scrutiny and judged on results, not rhetoric. If the police are serious about protecting communities, then those from a Protestant and Unionist background must be afforded the same protection, confidence and freedom from intimidation as anyone else.

“There is a particular onus on the PSNI to finally be seen to act in light of recent revelations that policing operations and decisions are influenced by the “feelings of the PIRA”.”

Rasharkin Orangemen say they have lost confidence in police, particularly after CCTV showed a patrol car driving over freshly-painted graffiti.”

Commenting, a PSNI spokesperson said: “A Crime Prevention Officer from the Police Service of Northern Ireland has attended Rasharkin Orange Hall multiple times over the past few years to advise on safety and security. This year, a comprehensive in-depth review was also carried out by the PSNI, with several recommendations provided to the Orange Order.

Police had a robust and comprehensive policing plan in place to prevent any further offences – complemented by a follow-up visit from our Crime Prevention Officer. This was implemented with the co-operation of the Orange Order and the feedback was positive.

District Commander, Superintendent Yvonne McManus, said: “Sectarianism, intimidation and hate crime have no place in our communities and we recognise the serious impact these particular incidents have had on the victim.

“Repeat victimisation, however, must never be viewed as an isolated series of incidents. As such, we looked at the wider pattern of offences this year in relation to the Orange Hall and adopted a different policing approach. We will subsequently continue to assess the cumulative harm and impact on the victim as part of our ongoing commitment to engaging with victims of crime.

“It’s important to acknowledge that the impact of such offences extends beyond the individual. Sectarian incidents can generate fear and have a negative impact on social cohesion, potentially damaging relationships within a community. Often, this is due to the senseless actions of what is actually a very small minority. Collaboration, engagement, respect and mutual understanding are therefore vital elements to countering polarising narratives. We will continue to listen to those affected by such offences to ensure their concerns inform our policing response.

“We would encourage the public to contact us using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals if they have any information relating to criminal activity at the Orange Hall.”

You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.