Police work to reduce anti-social behaviour as Halloween approaches

During the coming weeks police hope to raise awareness of the issues surrounding anti-social behaviour and what Police and partner organisations are doing in your area to address it. Officers will be conducting high visibility patrols and to provide reassurance and, where needed, offer crime prevention information.

Commander for Lisburn & Castlereagh, Superintendent Sean Wright, said: “The term anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that blights the lives of many people on a daily basis. It often leaves victims feeling helpless, desperate and with a seriously reduced quality of life. Terms such as ‘nuisance’, ‘disorder’ and ‘harassment’ are also often used to describe this type of behaviour.

“Anti-social behaviour is an issue that the Police Service takes seriously and is fully committed to working in partnership with both statutory agencies and community representatives to address.

Supt. Wright said, “We are here to listen to community concerns and work with others to find a solution to any problems they may have. In many cases, this needs positive input from everyone in the community if a long lasting solution is to be found.

“Police always seek to exploit all opportunities to address anti-social behaviour, working closely with local residents and other agencies. This work also includes enforcement - making arrests – and education – helping our young people understand the impact this type of activity can have on the victim.

“Anyone witnessing incidents of anti-social behaviour should report it to police immediately.”