Senior police chief says PSNI is preparing for increase in crime near border post Brexit

By Q Radio News

The Deputy Chief Constable says the PSNI won't be drawn into the debate on whether the Prime Minister's BREXIT deal is the best way to deal with the Irish Border.

It comes after yesterday's announcement, that the Treasury will offer £16 million to recruit 308 additional officers and staff over the next two years. 

.@PoliceServiceNI has announced it will be recruiting an additional 308 staff between now and March 2020, to add to its resources in border areas during the Brexit period. Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin has been speaking to @goQradio. More on air at 6. pic.twitter.com/3EwB20CSV0

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 19, 2018

The EU and UK have said they want to avoid the return of a hard border, physical checks or infrastructure after Brexit.

Brexiteers favour using technology in lieu of physical checks on goods on the frontier, which would require customs officers and potentially a police presence.

Opponents have said the technology does not exist.

Businesses have said they are horrified at the prospect of a no-deal exit.

Most of the PSNI's new resources will be deployed to border areas where police expect an increase in crime.

It's in response to concerns, that criminal gangs may try and exploit the barrier if there's differences in taxes and tarrifs. 

Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin told Q Radio the force won't be drawn into the political views but will prepare for what Brexit may bring: 

Concerns have been raised, criminal gangs may try and exploit the barrier if there's differences in taxes and tariffs. 

However, DCC Stephen Martin wouldn't comment on whether the Prime Minister's current deal is the best day to resolve issues around the Irish Border: