Anti-social behaviour crackdown demanded 

RESIDENTS in a Northside suburb will meet this week to discuss serious anti-social behaviour, including joyriding, that has been plaguing their area.

Locals in Darndale have had to contend with joyriders stealing cars, driving them at high speed and burning them out in built up estates in recent weeks.   

Darndale Belcamp Village Centre said it has been made aware of the

“high levels

? of anti-social behaviour. 

 A spokesperson for the centre told Northside People residents who contacted them have described how they feel threatened, intimidated and afraid to leave their homes. 

“People are also being targeted for speaking out, so many people have come to us and asked to remain anonymous due to the level of fear and intimidation they are subjected to,

? the spokesperson said.

“Darndale Belcamp Village Centre is advocating on behalf of these residents and liaising with other local organisations, gardai, Dublin City Council and public representatives to bring about some resolution.

“It is completely unacceptable that a small minority of young people can have this affect on an entire community. 

“We are calling on our Government to put the resources into Darndale so we can stop this now and prevent it from reaching this level again in the future.

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The centre said it is willing to work with all residents in the area and assist in developing a collaborative approach to addressing the problem. 

“We believe the problem must also be addressed at a community level, by engaging parents, local gardai and community organisations,

? the spokesperson added. 

The Darndale/Belcamp/Moatview Safety Forum was established in 2008 under the umbrella of the Joint Policing Committee.   

It meets bi-monthly, and is a collaborative approach between Dublin City Council, the gardai, public representatives, residents, community and voluntary representatives.  

It is designed to deal with all issues of safety and security and provides an opportunity for residents to raise issues of concern regarding safety and security. The next meeting will be held at the Bell Building this Wednesday, July 26 at 2pm.

Dublin Bay North TD Denise Mitchell (SF) has also called for the gardai to crackdown on joyriders.

“Local residents are at their wits’ end with this behaviour by a small gang of individuals,

? said Deputy Mitchell. 

“Several times in recent weeks a number of cars have been stolen and driven at high speeds through this residential area all night and into the early hours of the morning, with the cars then being burned out and blocking drives and roads.

“We understand that gardaí in Coolock are under pressure in terms of resources. However, I am asking them to make tackling these thugs a priority.

?

Deputy Mitchell said residents cannot continue to endure this activity on their streets.

“If it is not stopped then it is only a matter of time before somebody is seriously injured or killed by the reckless activities of these people,

? she added. 

Dublin Bay North TD Sean Haughey (FF) called for the residents to be

“better protected

?.

“The Garda division serving our area has suffered significant cutbacks in recent years,

? he said. 

“It is deeply worrying that there has been a substantial drop in the number of gardaí for front-line policing in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division, particularly as crime and anti-social behaviour has continued to become a major issue in our community. 

“The reality is that we need a serious increase in Garda numbers patrolling and policing Darndale, particularly as our area continues to experience changes in population and demographics.

?

Earlier this month the Department of Justice told Northside People Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of them.

“The Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime,

? a spokesperson for the Department said. 

“To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians.

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