Hooded gang terrorise Dungannon neighbourhood
A GANG of hooded youths have been menacing residents in Belvedere, Dungannon, by throwing fireworks.
Police were called to the area on Tuesday at 8pm after receiving reports that the twenty strong gang were committing anti-social behaviour.
According to police the youths were all wearing caps, hoods, and scarves. When police arrived the gang made off in the direction of Cunningham's Lane.
Chief Inspector Stephen Moneypenny has warned that police will adopt a 'robust approach' to tackling firework offences following a spate of attacks last Halloween when fireworks and burning tyres were used to terrorise residents.
He explained: "The weeks prior to and after Halloween are becoming an increasingly busy time of the year for the Police Service. We continually receive reports of criminal damage and youths causing annoyance to vulnerable people within the area. We want to make it clear that anyone caught breaking the law will be dealt with robustly.
"High visibility patrols will be operating in hotspot areas to prevent crimes occurring. What might seen like a prank to some young people may actually amount to carrying out an assault or causing criminal damage. Those involved in this type of behaviour will have to face the consequences. We hope that with the support of parents, schools and local community groups we can work to help make Halloween safe and enjoyable.
Inspector Moneypenny explained that parents and those who sell fireworks must take responsibility. "I would ask parents to make sure they know the whereabouts of their children and to make sure that they are not engaging in any criminal activity or criminal damage to property.
"Only licensed dealers can sell fireworks and they should be fully conversant with the law and the records they need to keep about sales. Many of the complaints we receive are about bangers. Bangers are totally illegal."
Inspector Moneypenny added: "We will be carrying out checks of licensed fireworks retailers in the coming weeks and I would also ask anyone who suspects that fireworks are being sold in illegal circumstances to give that information to police.
"Last year, police in Dungannon adopted a robust approach to offences, and that will apply over the next few weeks."
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Weather for Dungannon
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
