Attacks on pensioners

Attacks on pensioners

24 August 2022

SHOCKING incidents of anti-social behaviour have prompted calls for an increased police presence in Castlewellan.

In one incident a teenager spat in the face of an elderly woman who gave him a glass of water.

In another, a pensioner in her 90s had her house pelted with eggs by youths.

There are reports that families with young children are being kept awake at night by youths running amok.

It is also claimed that youths are leaving broken beers bottles strewn around a cemetery, showing callous disrespect to the bereaved and their loved ones. 

In another incident a woman and her children playing in a local park were subjected to horrific verbal abuse.

Local Sinn Fein councillor is now calling on the police to act more decisively and stamp out what locals have described as an alarming spiral of anti-social behaviour sweeping parts of the town in recent weeks.

She said residents in Church Street and Circular Road areas are bearing the brunt of the lawlessness by children understood to be as young as 13 years of age.

Mrs Howell wants a greater police presence and a “more proactive response” to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area and says residents should not be left feeling fearful and intimidated in their own homes. 

She says residents have been left frustrated by the police response to their appeals for help.

She said: “In recent weeks I have been contacted by several local residents who are gravely concerned about the increase in anti-social behaviour taking place in various areas of Castlewellan. 

“Residents have reported incidents such as underage drinking, refuse bins being overturned, damage to private property and these most recent attacks on elderly residents show a blatant disrespect and regard for those in our community.”

She said the the most shocking incident occurred when the elderly woman had water spat in her face.

“The woman answered the door to a boy who said he was unwell and asked for a glass of water. She went and got some water and gave the glass to the boy. He took and drink and basically spat it back in her face,” she revealed. 

She said the elderly lady estimated the boy was approximately 13 years of age. 

“This is type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the community in Castlewellan which is a safe and pleasant place to live. 

“No resident within the town should feel intimidated or be fearful, particularly in their own home and I would therefore ask for the wider community to be vigilant and report any activity of this nature to the PSNI on 101 as soon as they become aware of it.”

“Despite numerous phone calls and reports being made to the PSNI, over time this behaviour has been allowed to develop and in recent weeks I have been informed of two incidents which have really shocked me. Attacks on residents and their homes, particularly those who are elderly and vulnerable is abhorrent.

Mrs Howell added: “I will be raising these issues at the next Policing and Community Safety Partnership meeting with senior PSNI officers and request that there is a review of the effectiveness of PSNI in response to anti-social behaviour.”

In response, PNSI Chief Inspector Peter Stevenson said: “We constantly monitor crime trends and deploy our resources to the areas of greatest need and vulnerability and regularly run targeted policing operations, working alongside partners to address community concerns.

“I would encourage everyone to report incidents of anti-social behaviour. These reports create opportunities for intervention and prevention by police and other partners.

“We all have a responsibility to help make where we live safer for everyone. Reporting crimes or incidents that impact on your quality of life help focus our patrols where they are needed and take positive action. Ring us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or speak directly to your Neighbourhood Team.

He added: “A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.”