By Lesley Walsh
THERE are not enough police in Bangor to deal with the level of anti-social behaviour that annually disrupts the city during the summer, it has been claimed.
That is the warning of local MLA Peter Martin and councillor Alistair Cathcart who have met with local police chiefs to address what they believe is a persistant problem.
The politicians also met with representatives from Translink over its role in preventing illegal drinking on trains by passengers who travel to North Down’s trouble spots of Helen’s Bay and Ballyholme in Bangor in good weather.
Repeating previous calls for a greater police presence, Mr Martin said while he welcomes police action to increase their presence over the summer, there is a need for more officers on the ground.
“We need that visibility, to reassure the public,” he said.
He said the problem was not with the quality of officers in Ards and North Down. “There just aren’t enough of them,” he said.
The North Down MLA said the Justice Minister, Naomi Long, needs to give the police more power to tackle anti-social behaviour.
“The Chief Constable and the Justice Minister need to recognise the local need,” he said. Party colleague, Mr Cathcart spoke of the aggravating factor of alcohol.
“When there is good weather, we want Bangor and North Down to be the seaside destination of choice. However, we don’t want to also become a destination for those that want to partake in underage drinking, anti- social behaviour and other illegal activities.
“Quite often those carrying out the anti-social behaviour have travelled by train to get here, often fuelled by alcohol. I welcome that both the PSNI and Translink will put resources in place over the summer to have a presence at our train stations,” he said.
In response, the PSNI said officers were ‘committed to tackling issues of anti-social behaviour’ and said they have been ‘engaging with residents and community representatives and will continue to do so’.
Inspector Boyd said young people who choose to engage in anti-social behaviour must understand it is unacceptable and must stop.
“People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe in their communities,” said the Bangor officer.
“Officers continue to work alongside partner agencies, local representatives and the community to find collaborative and proactive solutions to address the problem.”
And he stressed it was up to parents and guardians to stress the impact on their futures as adults of bad behaviour during their youth.
“Parents and guardians must speak to their young people about where they
are and who they are with and also warn them of the dangers of getting involved in behaviour which could result in injuring themselves, others, or ultimately, a criminal record.
“Police will continue to patrol and continue to work alongside our partner agencies, local representatives and the community,” stressed the senior officer.
The PSNI has reminded people that anyone observing such behaviour can report it using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers- uk.org
