Police call on public to do their bit to stop criminal damage

Issuing the appeal on Friday, Inspector Pete Bouma pointed out that while incidents of criminal damage were down on the previous year locally, their occurence was ‘unacceptable’ and ‘in excuseable’.

The Neighbourhood Inspector told The Ballymena Times: “Damaging property, whether it is to a house, a shop or a car, really is a senseless act of vandalism, and, whether carried out by people when sober or under the influence of alcohol is something that there can be no excuse for. In fact, this type of behaviour is never going to be acceptable.

“Because of the geographical spread of this type of crime and time-wise, it would be difficult to have police in place to prevent incidents happening, so we are dependent on the public’s help.

“Those who commit this type of crime need to realise that they are costing their neighbours considerable sums of money, not to mention the added inconvenience of having to give up their time to arrange to have repairs carried out,” he continued.

“There is also a human cost too because damaging property belonging to others causes considerable distress to the owners.

“The people of Ballymena deserve to be able to enjoy their possessions free from the interference of others and should be able to park their car safely in the knowledge that it will still be intact and in one piece when they return to it.

“Those who throw stones and other missiles at the windows of houses could, in addition to the initial damage, face prosecution for much more serious offences should the occupants be injured by flying glass or by the object used to cause the damage,” the Inspector warned.

“There are people in each community where damage is taking place who will know who is involved.

“Surely it is time for local residents to say ‘enough is enough’ and to tell their neighbourhood officers exactly who is responsible, so that offenders can be prosecuted and made to account for their actions in court.,” he said.

Inspector Bouma stressed that local police would be playing their part and patrolling areas where damage has occurred.

“But, as it only takes a second or two to smash a window or score the paintwork of a car, I want the public to play their part by coming forward with information and evidence that will help us to secure a conviction.

“By working together we can all help to make Ballymena a better and safer place to live, work and socialise”.

If YOU have any information regarding recent damage to property in your area, contact your Neighbourhood Officer while they are on patrol or contact the police at Ballymena on 0845 600 8000 or email [email protected].

Alternatively, information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.