Following reports of anti-social activity in the Monkstown shops area, Roy Beggs has called for the Youth Service, the Police, the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, and the local community to work together to address the anti-social behaviour related to under-age drinking, the damage to property and residents being fearful for their safety.
Roy Beggs, Ulster Unionist Assembly candidate in East Antrim said, “I have been advised that on Saturday night, drunken youths have smashed bottles and intimidated shoppers at the Monkstown shops area. This is unacceptable and I would urge a multi-pronged approach to address the problem.
Roy Beggs, Ulster Unionist Assembly candidate in East Antrim said, “I have been advised that on Saturday night, drunken youths have smashed bottles and intimidated shoppers at the Monkstown shops area. This is unacceptable and I would urge a multi-pronged approach to address the problem.
Firstly I would urge all adults not to buy alcohol for underage drinkers and remind those concerned that it is illegal to purchase alcohol for those under 18 and anyone doing so could face prosecution themselves. I would also request that all parents to ensure that those in their care are not adversely effecting others.
I have contacted the Youth Service requesting that detached youth workers engage in the Monkstown area. By talking to disaffected young people, making them fully aware of their impact on others and by helping to address their issues of concern, can be effective in reducing such anti-social activity. It can also help get some young people back onto a constructive life path. The Police and Community Partnership and local beat police officer will have a role to play. The lack of youth provision on a Saturday night may also be contributing to the problem. I have urged the Youth Service to review the local provision.
The collective community approach would be best to address underage drinking, rather than young people committing crimes, with individuals suffering and then police having to make arrests resulting in criminal records. “
I have contacted the Youth Service requesting that detached youth workers engage in the Monkstown area. By talking to disaffected young people, making them fully aware of their impact on others and by helping to address their issues of concern, can be effective in reducing such anti-social activity. It can also help get some young people back onto a constructive life path. The Police and Community Partnership and local beat police officer will have a role to play. The lack of youth provision on a Saturday night may also be contributing to the problem. I have urged the Youth Service to review the local provision.
The collective community approach would be best to address underage drinking, rather than young people committing crimes, with individuals suffering and then police having to make arrests resulting in criminal records. “
