Call for anti-joyriding strategy

Twinbrook and Poleglass community discuss problem

The former head of the Northern Ireland Probation Service has called for a long-term strategy to help to resolve the so-called joyriding problem in west Belfast.

According to police figures, almost 10,000 cars were stolen in Northern Ireland last year - on average one an hour.

Briege Gadd: Provision for young people needs to be addressed

Car thieves and innocent drivers, passengers and pedestrians have been killed or badly injured in many cases, when young people have stolen cars and driven around residential areas at speed.

Briege Gadd was speaking at a meeting of people from the Twinbrook and Poleglass communities who are concerned about the continuing problem.

She said it could only be solved if the over-all situation of the young people involved was addressed.

"It is critical that the community sector and the public sector, which includes policing, come together to work and put into operation a joint plan which focuses on the needs of young people - and that is so often about providing services," she said.

Annie Armstrong: Community audit

In west Belfast, community groups have been struggling to wean young people away from so-called joyriding.

There are some successful community projects helping divert youngsters into more positive activities.

Community workers in Twinbrook and Poleglass agreed with Briege Gadd and are working on a long-term strategy to provide for young people in the area and divert them from car theft.

But they acknowledged the road ahead of them would be long and hard.

"At present we are carrying out a community audit, within the local community, looking at what already exists and where the gaps are in provision.

"We recognise that there has to be a long-term strategy," community worker Annie Armstrong said.