Spike in vandalism and anti-social behaviour may put NI community facility ‘at risk’

‘Extensive damage’ has been caused to a number of community buildings across Craigavon, particularly the Hub which has been a hotspot of anti-social behaviour.

The police have appealed for information or witnesses from anyone who may have observed any suspicious activity in the area of Brownlow Hub, Craigavon from 5pm on 20th October to 8am on Wednesday morning.

A spokesperson said: “A window in the building was smashed, and is the latest in a series of similar incidents in the area.

“If you have any information please contact Police on 101 and quote serial number 376 of 21/10/20.”

It comes after a 12-year-old boy was stabbed, beaten and robbed while returning home from the Hub at the weekend. He was one of two boys attacked by gangs of youths.

Sinn Fein Cllr Catherine Nelson voiced concern about extensive damage to various community buildings in the Craigavon area, including the Hub, Brownlow Leisure Centre, Brownlow Library, the Moyraverty Centre and local schools.

She said: “What is most frustrating is that those responsible have at some stage made use of these facilities. Most definitely they will use them in the future and possibly are users of them now.

“If the Hub continues to be damaged - it is at risk.

Cllr Nelson said Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council is considering reduced hours at this stage.

She added: “But the constant cost of repairing acts of vandalism could have serious long term consequences on operation of the centre.

“Local CCTV has allowed the PSNI to identify most of those involved and sadly the PSNI will visit these people.

“That is not the scenario any of us want to be in. Please have a chat to your young person.

“I will continue to work cross agency to fight for positive ways to engage those involved to keep them out of the justice system.”

It is understood the Education Authority will be sending out a detached youth team today.

SDLP Cllr Thomas Larkham said: “Again, there has been a spike in repeated incidents of Anti Social Behaviour/ Criminal damage at the Community Hub in Brownlow over the past number of weeks resulting in windows being broken/ bins and cages being vandalised and members of staff being verbally abused.

“In the last 7 days there has been 5 incidents recorded and reported to PSNI in relation to this issue which has been ongoing for years.

“This is unacceptable and we must work proactively to help resolve this ongoing issues!

“I have spoken to Council staff, PSNI and detached youth workers about this and I have been informed that if these incidents continue the Hub are unfortunately having to reduce its opening hours in the evenings.

“We cannot allow this to happen so can all parents please have a chat with your children and highlight to them that what might be ‘fun’ is ultimately going to close the only community centre the people of Craigavon have.”

https://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/news/crime/several-large-gangs-youths-some-throwing-fireworks-and-setting-fires-are-terrorising-ni-town-3008927

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you