People who engage in crime must be handed down stiff sentences when they are apprehended, local UUP Councillor Norman Hillis has said. “Tough sentencing is necessary to demonstrate that society is not prepared to tolerate those who are intent on preying on ordinary decent citizens,” said Councillor Hillis. The former MLA says he wants to see continuing progress on combating crime in the area and adds that jail is the only option for those who offend. Reacting to news that car crime in Northern Ireland has been halved and incidents of domestic burglary have dropped by a quarter over the past five years, the local representative said the details, revealed by Criminal Justice Minister Maria Eagle, were welcome. However, Councillor Hillis added: “Burglary is an offence which seem to be prevalent in the local area and of major concern to many people. “I am pleased that the Minister has outlined that the Government is determined to build on the success and continue its work with the voluntary and statutory sectors to bring about real change on these issues. “We may have 10,000 fewer victims of crime, with 2,200 fewer homes burgled and over 8,000 fewer car crimes committed over the last five years but there are still too many incidences of burglary in this area and each single one brings heartbreak and anguish to an individual or a family. “We cannot simply hand out community service orders and suspended sentences to those who are brought before the courts for invading the privacy of others and stealing their possessions. That sends the wrong signal to those who are out there preying on innocent people.”