Police asked to get tough after trouble at Killyleagh walkway

Police asked to get tough after trouble at Killyleagh walkway

17 October 2018

UNRULY teenagers have again caused trouble in Killyleagh, prompting fresh calls for police to get tough with the troublemakers.

Last weekend, fireworks were left off at the town’s harbour walkway, frightening pensioners who live nearby, while rockets were fired in the direction of a tall ship moored  nearby.

Three weeks ago, teenagers high on a heady cocktail of drink and drugs set fire to a number of lifebelts which one local politician warned was putting lives at risk. 

Rowallane councillor Billy Walker, who has asked for increased police patrols at this part of the town, believes stern police action is needed before someone is seriously injured.

He has met with local police to make them aware of the scale of the trouble which is leaving pensioners afraid to venture outside and has also passed on to officers the names of those whom he believes are responsible for the trouble.

“Playing with fireworks is highly dangerous and those engaging in this kind of activity are placing their lives and those of other innocent people at great risk,” declared Cllr Walker.

“The harbour walkway has become something of a ‘no go area’ for many people at the weekends because young people are congregating to drink alcohol and literally run amok. This behaviour needs to stop and local police want the police top step in. The escalation of anti-social behaviour at  a part of the town where many elderly people live is intolerable and must be addressed.”

Cllr Walker said a terrified 80 year-old resident is one of many people who have contacted him to outline how frightened they feel because of trouble taking place on their doorstep.

“Drunken youths are acting without impunity, that is why we need more police patrols in the area,” he cointinued. “It is also essential people report what is happening to the PSNI so these can incidents can be logged and a plan drawn up to tackle this problem.

“Previously, lifebelts and rescue ropes have been ripped from their wall mounting, with some tossed into the water and others left lying on the ground at the harbour walkway. Lights and glass bottles have also been smashed and now we have fireworks bering discharged. This cannot be allowed to continue and it must stop.”

Cllr Walker said it was his understanding that the teenagers were drinking and taking drugs. He urged police to probe where they were getting the drink and drugs from.

And he has again asked parents to know where their children are and to discourage them from engaging in anti-social behaviour and making other people’s lives a misery.

“Police have told me that not all of the incidents at the harbour area are being reported and it is vital this happens. People are contacting me to make me aware of what is happening but they must also inform the PSNI,” he added.

PSNI Inspector Darren Hardy said police were aware of the impact that anti-social behaviour can have on residents and were committed to working in partnership with local representatives to identify and address any particular issues of concern to the community in Killyleagh. 

“Current levels of reporting to police do not seem to reflect the experience of people living in the town and I would encourage those residents who are experiencing difficulties with youths gathering or causing annoyance, to report it to us, so we can take appropriate steps to resolve those issues for them,” he continued.

“We have implemented targeted patrolling and will continue to do so over the coming days and weeks. Local police can be contacted by ringing 101 or in an emergency, 999.”

Inspector Hardy confirmed police will continue to monitor reports of anti-social behaviour in Killyleagh and respond appropriately. 

He added: “I would ask anyone with any information or with general concerns regarding anti-social behaviour to contact police on 101 so we can work together to do something about it.”