PSNI tasked to anti-social teens in Newtownabbey

Reports were received at around 10pm on Saturday (May 30) that a group of youths were involved in anti-social behaviour at various locations.

Officers attended and conducted patrols before dispersing a number of young people who had gathered near Mossley Pavilion.

Appealing for parental support to tackle the issue, PSNI Sergeant Paul McCarron said: “I am aware of the impact on the quality of life that anti-social behaviour can have for local residents and would ask all parents and guardians to speak to their children and warn them of the dangers and consequences of becoming involved in this type of behaviour.

“I would encourage the public to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour to police on 101 at the earliest opportunity in a bid to help us prevent and detect crime.”

A concerned resident contacted the Newtownabbey Times to detail what he had witnessed in the area over recent days.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed: “On Saturday night I was walking to a friend’s house and there were approximately 30 drunken kids standing on the road at Carnmoney Road North. Moments later they were brawling on the football pitch.

“On Sunday morning I walked my dogs around Mossley Park to be faced with a something which looked like a festival had happened, broken bottles, empty cans and litter all around the pitches.

“Between the kids drinking and kids riding scramblers around the park and the Newtownabbey Way, it is making this park a dangerous place.

“This park is popular with dog walkers and is slowly turning into a ‘no go area’ in the evenings.”

Mossley Pavilion is operated by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. A spokesperson for the local authority said: “The recent good weather, and the fact that some Covid-19 restrictions have been eased means that our parks and open spaces are currently being enjoyed by a high volume of people. We would remind the public to comply with social distancing at all times.

“We are aware of one incident regarding the use of a scrambler motorbike in the area and this has been reported to the PSNI.

“The council will continue to empty litter-bins and conduct litter picks as frequently as possible in all of our parks and open spaces.

“Due to Covid-19, the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) projects, including Community Safety Wardens, were withdrawn until 1st July (subject to review). Given the recent relaxations in the lockdown and occurrences of anti-social behaviour this will be reviewed before the end of this week.

“If members of the public are concerned about anti-social behaviour they should contact the PSNI via the non-emergency 101 number or 999 in the case of emergency.”

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