Issues of concern

One issue of concern to the District Policing Partnership, is the problem of Anti-Social Behaviour and Youths Causing Annoyance.  The PSNI on being questioned about this problem, by Partnership Members, said "it is thought that these figures are on the rise due to the fact that residents are now more willing to call the Police if they see or hear kids causing a nuisance on the street.  In the past local people would have gone out on to the street and dealt with the children themselves, whereas nowadays the climate has changed and people are reluctant to open their front doors or reprimand children".  They said that on responding to these calls, the majority do not lead to arrests or prosecutions as it is simply children being bored and hanging about street corners.  The PSNI in Larne have stepped up foot patrols in problem areas of Housing Estates and Officers are out and about getting to know the local kids in an attempt to build relations and confidences.  Larne DPP fully support this, and the various Community Relations Projects, aimed towards the youth of the Borough, with the intention of alleviating the problem.