Concerns about increase in anti-social behaviour in Derry

Police have appealed for parents and guardians to speak to their children about the ‘dangers and consequences’ of becoming involved in such activity. 

The PSNI says neighbourhood policing teams will be increasing patrols in Galliagh and Creggan in response to reports of large groups gathering in those areas.

They have also appealed for information following reports of anti-social behaviour in the Enagh Lough area at the weekend.

It is understood that up to 40 young people were involved and some of them were drinking on inflatables on the lough at Temple Road.

Enagh Youth Forum says it believes young people from across the city have been gathering there and this has led to the increase in anti-social behaviour in recent weeks.

A spokesperson said that trees have been set alight in the area, swans have been attacked with stones and there has been an increase in litter.

They said a life buoy was stolen and a memorial bench vandalised.

The group has appealed to “all young people and anyone visiting the lough to respect the local area by taking litter home and using the bins provided, not lighting fires and leaving the local wildlife alone.’

Local councillor, Rachael Ferguson, also urged young people to respect the area and appealed to parents to know the whereabouts of their children.

The Alliance councillor said she was receiving daily calls from local residents about the anti-social behaviour.

“These young people are setting fires and, with the drier weather, this is putting local properties at risk,” she said. “We are also having regular call outs from the PSNI and Fire Service which is diverting them away from other emergencies.

“We are very lucky to live such a short distance away from the lough but, if it is not respected, it will end up being locked away from public use.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Aileen Mellon has raised concerns over a rising number of incidents in Galliagh over the past two weeks involving groups of young people.

She said these young people had been gathering on the streets and were involved in under age drinking, throwing fireworks and fighting.

The councillor urged parents to take their responsibility seriously by working with local agencies to address the issues and by talking to their children. 

“My message is also clear to the young people and others who may be involved: realise what you are doing, the impact it is having on others and the potential harm you are putting yourself in.”

Chief Inspector Jonathan Hunter said the PSNI was working with partner agencies, Community Safety Teams and Community Safety Wardens to address concerns about anti-social behaviour. 

“While we are committed to keeping all our communities safe, the issue of antisocial behaviour is not one that can be addressed by police alone. I would ask all parents and guardians to speak to their children and warn them of the dangers and consequences of becoming involved in antisocial behaviour. It is also vital that our young people understand the importance of following the advice from our public health partners and government about social distancing so that they can protect their own health and the health of others.”