Tobar Mhuire thugs ON CCTV

Tobar Mhuire thugs ON CCTV

19 January 2022

DRUNKEN youths who smashed a number of windows at the Tobar Mhuire retreat centre in Crossgar have been asked to own up — or face prosecution.

A number of ground floor windows in the centre’s building which houses the Passionist Community and enjoys protected status were smashed last Friday evening with the culprits captured on CCTV.

The youths — four boys and a girl — disturbed centre members with their unruly behaviour with the female in particular creating a lot of noise.

Beer and vodka bottles were strewn across the outside of the building located off the Downpatrick Road and several concrete vases were toppled over.

Details of the disturbing incident were posted on the retreat centre’s social media page with one priest explaining that repairing a listed property can be a “costly business.”

He said if the windows are damaged beyond repair and new frames will need to be fitted, the final bill could run into several thousand pounds as exact replicas will be required.

“Fortunately, we have these youths on camera and the police have been viewing the video recordings,” the priest confirmed. 

“One way of avoiding prosecution would be for the youths to take responsibility and come forward to speak with us.”

Previous warnings have been issued that access to the picturesque trails at the Crossgar estate could be curtailed due to anti-social behaviour, with last weekend’s incident roundly condemned by people across the village.

Rowallane councillor, Terry Andrews said he condemned what happened “without reservation” and said the Passionist Community deserved much more respect.

“People are rightly outraged at what happened. The behaviour of those involved was totally uncalled for. Tobar Mhuire has been at the heart of the Crossgar community for over 70 years and what happened last Friday evening was despicable.”

Cllr Andrews said the retreat centre had unfortunately suffered from vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the past.

“Tobar Mhuire is part and parcel of village life and the Passionist Community, which is held in high regard, allows people to use its woodland trails. I and many others are upset at what happened last weekend and hope those responsible will recognise the error of their ways and show more respect in future.”

Cllr Andrews said the historic building targeted by drunken vandals was built in the 19th century with the repair bill to fix the damaged windows something those who run the facility could well do without.

“Those responsible for the weekend damage have been caught on security cameras and I hope they will do the decent thing and come forward, admit responsibility and pay for the cost of the repairs,” he said.

“Tobar Mhuire is a haven of peace and quiet but this was shattered last weekend. The people of Crossgar are very fortunate to have free access to the grounds and would like this to continue being the case.”

Cllr Andrews said the actions of the teenagers did nothing to enhance Crossgar’s image, but he knew that the overwhelming majority of people in the village will be upset at what happened last Friday evening.

He added: “Young people need to show more respect and I would appeal to parents to know where their children and what they are doing. 

“There is tremendous support for the Passionist Community in Crossgar and what happened last week will serve to redouble it. The retreat centre is very much part of the community and everyone associated with it is held in the highest regard.

“Last weekend’s senseless behaviour must end.”