South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

MASKEY TO FOLLOW UP ANTI-SOCIAL VIGIL WITH PSNI MEETING

Published: 9 January, 2009

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey will meet with representatives of the PSNI next Thursday to discuss how to best tackle the upsurge in anti-social behaviour in the Lower Ormeau area. This meeting has been arranged as one of a number of attempts, which included last night's solidarity vigil with those who have been victims of crime in the area, to tackle the problem in the area.


The South Belfast MLA said,

"Over the past week we have been working hard in conjunction with the local community and community workers to try and tackle the recent upsurge in criminal activity within the area. We have also been in regular contact with the PSNI.


"Part of this work involved the organising of last night's vigil. I was extremely pleased with the large turnout and it sends a clear message to the thugs who have been engaging in criminal activity in this area that they and their activities are unwelcome in this community. It will also serve to show those who have been victims that they are not alone, that they are part of a community.


"The reality is that it is the most vulnerable in our community that are being attacked in their homes. Old aged pensioners, single mothers, young families, and single vulnerable people have become victims of this activity.


"It is well known that those who are responsible are from this community and are well known to most local residents".


He concluded,

"We will continue to work with the local community to challenge those who, in effect, are preying upon their neighbours in this area. The PSNI, however, have a crucial role to play in this. I will be meeting the PSNI next Thursday to ensure that they fulfil their role in tackling crime in this area and to ensure that they work along with the local community to achieve that end. It is essential that there is an organised approach taken to making the lower Ormeau a safer area for all its residents".

CRÍOCH