A burglary at business premises in the Thomas Street area of Armagh is being linked by police to ongoing incidents of anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
Business owners and locals alike have complained of a spike in such activities of late.
A fire at the old Foresters premises on Market Street was started in the middle of the afternoon on a Saturday at the end of May. Fire Service, who attended to extinguish the blaze, confirmed it was being treated as arson.
It was followed by an incident where threats were made against a vulnerable adult while socialising in the centre of Armagh.
Other business owners have contacted Armagh I in the interim to report incidents where items had been thrown at their properties. Some said they had also been verbally abused by youths.
In the latest incident, police have confirmed a burglary at “commercial premises in the Thomas Street area”. It was reported to them shortly after 12noon on Tuesday, having been targeted the previous evening.
Armagh I understands the business is located within the Armagh EuroSpar Shopping Centre and a substantial amount of goods was taken.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “It is believed that entry was gained to the business by force, shortly after 10pm on Monday 15th, June, which caused damage to the property, and those involved have taken a number of items.”
Police said enquires are ongoing.
But, when asked, the PSNI spokesperson confirmed: “Police believe this to be related to other anti-social behaviour reports in the area.”
It was in April that the owner of a business within the shopping centre where this latest burglary occurred took to social media to highlight that the retail complex was being “subjected to ongoing anti-social behaviour from a group of young boys”.
“This has escalated to serious incidents, including broken doors, smashed windows and smashed mirrors within the premises, as well as being verbally abusive to our staff members,” she posted at the time.
Such activities have also spilled on to surrounding streets where other traders have raised concerns too.
One business owner, who did not wish to be named, voiced his frustration that this has been going on for so long.
He told Armagh I : “On Wednesday night they were booting doors on Thomas Street. The night before there was wing mirrors getting kicked off cars. They have also been kicking things against shop windows.
“It is putting people off shopping in the area and traders have had enough. It is time this was stopped once and for all.”
The owner of a neighbouring property was equally angry and also agreed to speak anonymously, amid fear of reprisal for speaking out.
“They have been getting away with this and think they can just do whatever they want,” he said. “They are a law onto themselves and are doing it unchallenged.
“Despite repeated reports and CCTV footage there have been no arrests or charges brought; maybe that’s because of their age.
“Businesses are being crippled by rates and then to lose trade because people are afraid to come into this area to shop in our shops – and also face the costs of damage to our property or being robbed – it is just too much. It’s not acceptable and should not be allowed to continue.
“Enough is enough. Something needs to be done as a matter of urgency because people are just fed up, pure and simple.
“Several thousand people are expected in Armagh for the first ever Country and Western Festival at the end of June and the traders want to show the true side of Armagh and not one shadowed by a few delinquents.”
Two weeks ago, when Armagh I reported on the incident where a vulnerable man was threatened and subjected to verbal abuse, police said: “We would like to reassure the local community that we take all reports of disruptive behaviour seriously and that we recognise the wider impact it can have.
“Our officers have been working closely alongside our partner agencies, local representatives and the community to try to address this problem and I want to reassure the community that we take these types of reports very seriously.
“People have a right to live in peace and to feel safe in their communities and people who choose to engage in anti-social behaviour must understand it is unacceptable and must stop.
“We have asked parents and guardians to speak to their young people about where they are and who they are with and also to warn them of the dangers of getting involved in behaviour which could result in them injuring themselves, others, or ultimately, with a criminal record which could have an impact on their future employment and even travel.
“Patrols will continue in the area, and will also be increased to deter further activity of this nature, as the safety of local communities is paramount.”
In the meantime, police have appealed for information in relation to the burglary at Thomas Street on Monday night.
“We would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time or who has any information, including dash-cam, CCTV or other footage, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 633 of 16/06/26,” said the spokesperson. “You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
