Footage of youth crime released

Police are urging parents to find out where their children are at night

CCTV footage of children and youths carrying out acts of violence and criminal damage is to be released by police in the Newtownabbey area.

It is part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour, with police urging parents to make sure they know where their children are at night.

In the last month 12 juveniles in the area have been arrested for disorderly behaviour and 21 for criminal damage.

Officers have also made 62 separate seizures of alcohol from young people.

Almost 145 juveniles were reported to the Youth Diversion Officer for a range of issues.

Police have written to every off-licence in the area to ask for their support in combating underage drinking.

The footage to be released shows incidents such as a bus shelter being kicked in and a car windscreen being damaged.

Newtownabbey District Commander Superintendent Will Kerr said parents must help police combat the problem.

"Anti-social behaviour can have a major impact on people's quality of life," Mr Kerr said.

"While police can and are dealing with the symptoms - the community has to deal with its causes.

"Therefore I would appeal to parents to make sure they know where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing."