Increased Police Patrols Following Anti-Social Behaviour
Police have announced plans to increase patrols after receiving reports of large groups of young people engaging in anti-social behaviour at flats in west Belfast.
At approximately 21:00 BST on Tuesday, authorities were alerted to youths in the Stewartstown Road area throwing bottles and stones at nearby flats.
Local assembly member (MLA) Danny Baker reported that there were "over 100 young people" involved, targeting not only the flats but also cars and buses in the vicinity.
Over the past week, footage shared on social media has depicted fights occurring at the flats, which are managed by Choice Housing.
NI has reached out to Choice Housing for comment regarding the incidents.
'As Young as Nine or Ten'
Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker says kids have "gravitated" towards the flats
In a series of social media posts over recent days, Baker highlighted ongoing issues at the flats, stating:
"There have been ongoing issues with the flats for some time.
Finding solutions to what is going on in Stewartstown Road is very complex,"he added, noting that many residents have "serious addictions".
Commenting on the events of Tuesday night, Baker urged parental involvement:
"I really need parents to touch base with their kids; some are as young as nine or 10.
I know this is a result of what has been going on in recent days and videos and posts being shared online.
Kids have gravitated to this spot and are looking for a reaction.
There is no excuse for this behaviour."
'Runs the Area Down'
Police received reports around 21:00 BST on Tuesday of youths in the Stewartstown Road area throwing bottles and stones at nearby flats.
Local gym owner Sean Hitchin told NI that anti-social behaviour tends to increase when the weather is good.
He described those throwing objects as "aggravating" residents of the flats, but noted that the residents also respond by shouting back.
Hitchin stated that his gym business has not yet been affected because many local people "sort of half understand" the situation, but warned that if the behaviour continues, it would discourage others from joining.
He added:
"The majority of the time, there's an incident happen at least once a week in those flats and it just runs the area down.
I think this wee area is class."
'People Have a Right to Live in Peace'
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that officers attended the scene on Tuesday night and removed one youth from the area, returning him home due to his behaviour.
Chief Inspector Gibson emphasized the PSNI's commitment to addressing the issue:
"We want to reassure the local community that we take all reports of disruptive and anti-social behaviour seriously and that we recognise the wider impact it can have."
He noted that police have been collaborating closely with partner agencies, local representatives, and the community to address the problem, stating:
"I want to reassure the community that we take these types of reports very seriously."
Gibson further emphasized:
"People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe in their communities and people who choose to engage in anti-social behaviour must understand it is unacceptable and must stop.
We have asked parents and s to speak to their young people about where they are and who they are with and also to warn them of the dangers of getting involved in behaviour which could result in them injuring themselves, others, or ultimately, with a criminal record which could have an impact on their future employment and even travel."
