Vandals of throw lines condemned

Vandals of throw lines condemned

1 February 2017

VANDALS have tampered with lifesaving equipment at a scenic walk in Ballynahinch.

A throw line attached to a pole was recently ripped from its casing and thrown to the ground in an incident that has prompted a call for police to increase patrols at this part of the town.

There have been similar incidents at the walkway which links Dromore Street with Church Road over recent years, and Rowallane councillor Billy Walker is warning those who engage in such behaviour are playing with people’s lives.

He hopes police officers will apprehended the culprits and has appealed to anyone who knows anything about the incident or sees people acting suspiciously in the area to contact police. 

Councillor Walker said tampering with lifesaving equipment and putting people’s lives will not be tolerated.

He said while young people who tamper with throw lines may think what they are doing is fun, the harsh reality is that they are putting lives at risk.

“These devices which have been provided at rivers and walkways across our district are there for a reason and should not be tampered with. They are there to assist people who get into trouble,” continued Councillor Walker.

The Rowallane politician said on previous occasions, throw lines along the Riverside Walk have been removed from their canister and used to make swings, while others have been tied around trees.

“The bottom line is that if someone gets into trouble in the water there will be no rope to throw them. Many people walk their dogs along the Riverside Walk and it is a popular area, that’s why throw lines have been installed along it,” he continued.

“Young people should know better than to remove throw ropes or, as has happened in other areas, removed life rings from their holders and thrown them into the water. There is nothing funny about interfering with equipment designed to save lives.”

Councillor Walker added: “Tampering with lifesaving equipment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. You never know when someone may need this vital equipment. 

If it is not where it is meant to be there could be serious implications and someone could lose their life.”