Opinion

Sickening acts of wanton destruction need to stop

The vast majority of people will find it difficult to understand the thinking of those who set out to cause as much damage as possible to property, including a cross-community hub and the gates of a cemetery.

Unfortunately, vandalism and anti-social activity is far from a rare occurrence in our society.

In recent months even children's playgrounds have been targeted by young thugs, depriving local families of a valuable resource and placing a financial strain on the public purse.

It is mindless destruction which serves absolutely no purpose.

Over the past few days we have seen a number of examples of this type of negative and destructive behaviour.

On Friday, a gang of youths set fire to the historic gates at Milltown Cemetery in west Belfast, burial place to thousands of local people.

This was a deliberate act which involved using traffic cones and a wheelie bin to cause maximum damage to the gates.

Aside from the wanton destruction of property, the vandals were also showing a lack of respect for the dead and complete contempt for their families.

Sadly, anti-social behaviour is a recurring problem at graveyards in this part of the city and various options are being considered as a way of tackling this unwanted activity.

Meanwhile in north Belfast, people have expressed disgust after vandals broke into the 174 Trust's Duncairn Cultural Centre, stealing anything of value and leaving a scene of devastation in their wake.

The trust is renowned for the important contribution it makes to the local community, providing a safe, shared space and offering a range of programmes and activities. It is sickening to think that criminals are focused on destroying the constructive work of others.

Anti-social behaviour is a concern not just in Belfast but other towns including Strabane where there has been an upsurge in this type of conduct.

Those involved in criminal damage, theft and burglary need to be brought to justice but it is better to prevent these offences happening in the first place.