During the summer period there is an increase in the number of young people drinking in public areas, which is clearly evident in the district’s main towns. The sheer volume of alcohol being consumed results in anti-social behaviour and people becoming more fearful of crime.
Conscious of the need to address this problem, the Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) have developed an initiative whereby the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Council Enforcement Officers will be carrying out increased joint patrols in Newcastle and Downpatrick.
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Newcastle Neighbourhood Policing team members Constable Davy Jones and Sergeant James McIlveen with PCSP Officer Katrina Hynds addressing issues of alcohol and making people feel safer in their communities. [/caption]
A PCSP spokesperson said: “The Programme aims to not only tackle the issue of alcohol abuse but will also positively engage with young people on keeping safe while under the influence of alcohol. It is widely known that alcohol impairs judgement and can result in young people becoming involved in embarrassing situations that may damage their self-respect or alter important relationships.
“Inhibitions are lowered with alcohol intake and there is potential for young people to be filmed and shared on social media doing something they would never do sober and the peril of this is that such clips remain out there forever. Even more importantly it may also lead to a serious injury or fatality through fighting or being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
“In addition to addressing the public drinking, the PSNI will be visiting local pubs and clubs to offer assistance and advice and to ensure that there is no underage drinking.”
Councillor Willie Clarke Concerned About Newcastle ASB
Sinn Féin Mourne’s Councillor Willie Clarke, speaking after facilitating a recent meeting with residents from Burrendale Park and Bracken Avenue Newcastle, claimed that anti-social behaviour is an increasing problem in flats in both areas.
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Councillor Willie Clarke said he is acting on complaints to help stamp out ASB in Newcastle.[/caption]
Cllr Clarke said: “The main issues of concern included, break-ins, drug dealing and associated criminality, intimidation of residents, drunken behaviour in the estates, criminal damage and nuisance neighbours.
“I have received complaints from people in despair because of what is happening in their own community. I acknowledge finding a solution to these issues are complex and require an inter-agency response, the ‘Murlough Community Association’ are endeavouring to resolve the same issues, of anti-social behaviour by a minority in the flats, this behaviour undermines all the positive work that is being carried out in the area, by the local community group in partnership with other agencies.”
He added: “If a person has a drink or drug problem and they have got no family around, the last place you want to be placed is in a flat with no support, these circumstances create the conditions for anti-social behaviour, including all night partying and destruction of property. There is shouting and fighting, destruction of doors, windows and intercom systems, burning of bins in the communal area of the flats.
“A number of residents were fearful and felt that reporting incidents of crime exposed them to reprisals when nothing would be achieved. I would encourage residents to report problems to the Housing Executive and the PSNI as quickly as possible and to obtain a crime number.
“I will follow these incidents up on your behalf. I will be convening a meeting with the Murlough Community Association, PSNI, PCSP, CDRCN, Housing Executive and local elected representatives, it is only by focusing all of our attention on these complex issues, that we will be able to put in place an action plan to resolve them.”
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