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Police issue anti-social behaviour warning to youths in west Belfast

The scene of a crash on the Falls Road in west Belfast on Wednesday after a stolen car collided with another vehicle
The scene of a crash on the Falls Road in west Belfast on Wednesday after a stolen car collided with another vehicle The scene of a crash on the Falls Road in west Belfast on Wednesday after a stolen car collided with another vehicle

The PSNI are to use "high-visibility preventative patrols" in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour in west Belfast, after "numerous" reports were made to police in recent weeks.

Officers have issued a warning to young people about the consequences of anti-social behaviour and appealed to parents to know the whereabouts of their children.

The warning comes after residents living in and around the lower Falls area have been targeted by gangs of youths on an almost daily basis over the past week.

Two weeks ago, a youth on a bike attempted to rob a French tourist's camera gear on Albert Street. The incident, which was caught on camera, took place just after the tourist had visited the `International Wall' nearby.

It later emerged that around a dozen tourists had been robbed in the area in recent months.

Community representatives said residents living in the lower Falls community are being tortured by youths involved in drug activity, car crime, criminal damage and street crime.

In the past number of days, there have been numerous reports of cars being broken into and items stolen. In the Springfield Road area on Thursday morning a young mother walking along the Falls Road was punched in the head before her mobile phone was snatched by two men dressed in tracksuits.

Chief Inspector Kellie McMillan said "police and our partners have responded to numerous calls" about anti-social activity, particularly around Dunmurry Rail Station on the outskirts of west Belfast.

"These callers are concerned, and at times frustrated and angry, about this activity," she said.

"Parents and guardians must ensure that they know where their young people are and what they are doing".

Chief Inspector McMillan said police had been called to move on groups of young people from the railway lines at Dunmurry Rail Station.

"Train times and service delivery have also been impacted," she said.

"With trains passing regularly at high speed, it’s difficult to think of a more dangerous place for young people to gather, especially if they are or have been under the influence of alcohol.

"Young people need to understand that what might initially seem like innocent behaviour can easily get out of hand and could result in a criminal record. This could affect travel, education and employment opportunities in the future".

She added: "We will continue to monitor reports of anti-social behaviour and respond appropriately, including focusing joint, high-visibility preventative patrols at locations across west Belfast at particular times".

Meanwhile, three youths who were arrested after a stolen car was chased by police through Belfast before it crashed into another vehicle on the Falls Road have been released on bail until September pending further enquiries.

The teens, two aged 16 and one aged 14, were arrested on Wednesday. The car was abandoned near Albert Street and the trio were detained by police.