More police patrols at children’s playground

More police patrols at children’s playground

12 September 2012

POLICE have vowed to increase their patrols in the Knocknashinna area of Downpatrick in an attempt to stamp out a recent spate of anti-social behaviour.

Parents have been asked to be responsible for their children following a numbers of incidents centred on the development’s new £250,000 play park.

Police, councillors and local residents met in the park last week to discuss the rise in anti-social behaviour and ways in which it may be tackled.

Local neighbourhood policing team constable Caroline Owens said young people are coming to the play park and acting in a “vile and disgusting manner.”

She said there had been a series of shocking events in recent week with children instilling fear into older members of the community, who often felt intimidated in their own homes.

“Urinating in the play park, foul language, stones being thrown at windows, young people running through gardens at night, are just some of the incidents that have plagued local residents,” said Ms. Owens.

“In one case, a child indecently exposed himself to an older member of the community when she complained about his behaviour.

“In another a laser pen was shone into someone’s window. Children have also been seen drinking close by.

“This is completely unacceptable and we want all parents to ensure that their children are aware of the fear they can cause to local people. They should also be aware that if a child is caught drinking in the street under age, they could be referred to social services.

“The residents of Knocknashinna have had more than enough and police will be patrolling the area regularly to help catch those responsible. We will phone parents directly while we are talking to the children so they know the problems they are causing and we will visit the homes of persistent offenders.

“Down Neighbourhood police officers will be working closely with Knocknashinna residents, the council and community representatives in an effort to identify those involved.”

Meanwhile, residents of the area have drawn up a petition asking the council to take immediate action to help eradicate the anti-social behaviour problem.

They are hoping the council will erect a higher fence around the play park so the gates can be locked at night thereby preventing youths from gathering in the area.

They have also requested increased lighting and an improved police presence as well as the installation of CCTV cameras.

In a letter written to South Down MP Margaret Ritchie on behalf of residents, residents of the area said they were extremely upset that young children, who use the park, were suffering because of criminal damage to equipment and the mess left behind by older youths.

They have also warned that there have been attempted break-ins, threatening behaviour and indecent exposure incidents as well as stone throwing in recent weeks.

“In light of the recent escalation in anti-social behaviour, and the more serious nature of the crimes being committed, residents are now extremely fearful that their homes and the occupants may be in danger if immediate action is not taken,” he said.

Downpatrick councillor Eamon Mac Con Midhe urged parents to speak to their children about their whereabouts in the evenings and to help stamp out the trouble in the area of Knocknashinna park.

He said other younger children were suffering because of the damage being done by youths at night and he hoped the problem would now be sorted out.