Police contact young people over anti-social behaviour

Police have written to more than 50 young people involved in anti-social behaviour in north Belfast.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said in a statement on Friday that officers in north Belfast have been aware of anti-social behaviour in recent weeks.

To date, police have identified 53 young people as being involved in anti-social behaviour.

North Belfast area Commander Ch Insp Alan Lowry said he has written to these young people, along with their parents and guardians, highlighting the “dangers and consequences of taking part in anti-social behaviour”.

Arrests made

Commander Ch Insp Lowry said the behaviour is leading to disorder and hate crimes.

A total of 14 young people have “already been taken down the formal criminal justice route,” he said.

A number of files have been submitted to the Public Prosecution Service and community resolution notices issued.

On Friday, police arrested four young people for offences including riotous behaviour, possession of offensive weapons, possessing a blade or point in a public place and threats to kill.

'These behaviours are not wanted'

“I need to be very clear, if you engage in anti-social behaviour that progresses into criminal behaviour, disorder or hate crimes we will investigate every avenue available to us to identify you, and you will be arrested,” Commander Ch Insp Lowry said.

“These behaviours are not wanted in the community and we will not shy away from taking robust actions to brings those offenders to justice,” he said.

Police have said patrols will be increased in the area to “deter further activity of this nature."