Unruly mob on rampage

Unruly mob on rampage

5 February 2020

TEENAGERS high on a heady cocktail of drink and drugs who went on the rampage in Downpatrick last weekend left a trail of destruction in their wake.

Homes, businesses, cars and a greenhouse were damaged in a six-hour wrecking spree which started around 10.30pm in the Knocknashinna area on Friday night and ended just after 4.30am in Church Street.

Pensioners were left terrified in their homes as trouble erupted outside with car windows smashed and tyres slashed. A door at one property was kicked in and paint thrown at another.

In addition to the incidents at the normally quiet Knocknashinna area, there was further trouble at St Dillon’s Avenue, Dufferin Park, Pillar Well Lane, Stream Street and Church Street, leaving cars, home and business owners facing hefty repair bills. One couple, who had tyres on both their cars slashed, face a £500 bill.

There have been a number of similar incidents over recent months in Downpatrick with last weekend’s trouble set to be discussed at the Assembly which will result in the matter reaching the desk of Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long.

Local politicians have also expressed concern at the latest trouble and are seeking a meeting with senior police chiefs to discuss the issue.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath confirmed that a motion on the trouble in Downpatrick as a result of what he described “alcohol-fuelled crime” will be debated during private members’ business at Stormont, while a pensioner caught up in the weekend trouble called for the “madness to end”.

A number of residents at the Knocknashinna area are also to review their home security, while politicians have urged the police and other statutory agencies to address the anti-social behaviour problem and bring those responsible before the courts.

One resident whose car was damaged revealed that she was alerted by a neighbour who revealed a number of other vehicles had been targeted by the unruly mob.

“The people of Knocknashinna do not want this behaviour. Many of us have lived here for well over 40 years and this madness has to end. There has been recent trouble in other parts of the town but this is the first time that it has come to our door. No one wants this,” the resident declared.

“It is always the elderly and the vulnerable who are most affected by incidents like this. All we want is to be left alone to live in peace.

“It is time for this madness to stop and I wonder what the parents of these teenagers who are causing all this trouble think? Are they not concerned that their children are running around causing mayhem and distress into the early hours of the morning?”

The resident said while the police have a job to do in apprehending the troublemakers, the parents of the children responsible have a lot to answer for, suggesting that consideration should be given to prosecuting them.

Mr McGrath confirmed that in direct response to last weekend’s trouble, he has worked with his Assembly colleagues to “utilise our selection of private members’ business” to debate a motion on drug and alcohol fuelled crime which was witnessed in the town last weekend.

“This debate will see the Justice Minister reply and means that the highest levels of the PSNI and Department for Justice will be alerted and will investigate this matter,” he explained.

Mr McGrath added: “This behaviour was unacceptable and unjustifiable and those involved, whether guilty of criminal damage or assaults, must be held to account.”

Downpatrick councillor, Oonagh Hanlon, who met with a number of Knocknashinna residents affected by the weekend trouble, described what happened as “unacceptable”.

She said residents have been “left living in fear” and are literally now terrified in their own homes.

“What has been happening is simply not good enough and residents deserve better,” Cllr Hanlon declared.

“The PSNI need to step up and take a proactive approach to tackling this behaviour. I have requested a meeting with the local PSNI team and intend to ask what they will be doing to address and prioritise these problems.”

Cllr Hanlon added: “The time for talking is long since past. We we need to see our area adequately resourced as a matter of priority.”

Another Downpatrick councillor, John Trainor, said the anti-social behaviour must stop. He said that it is “totally unacceptable” that residents are being made to feel that it is unsafe to walk the streets in the evenings because of the actions of a minority of young people, with local businesses feeling that they need to close early for safety of staff members.

He added: “Anti-social behaviour isn’t new to Downpatrick and over the past number of months we have seen an increase again. I have been in contact with the PSNI to explore the need for extra resources but we must also look at other ways to deter this behaviour.”

Police have confirmed that they are investigating a link between several of the incidents in Downpatrick last Friday evening and during the early hours of Saturday. They say the anti-social behaviour had caused “distress and damage to local communities”.

Officers, who have issued an appeal for information, say residents have a right to feel safe in their own homes and that it is “critical” that those who engage in anti-social behaviour stop and understand that their actions are unacceptable.

Anyone who believes they may be able to assist police are asked to contact them using the 101 number, quoting reference number 2170 31/01/20. 

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.