A “particular group of teenagers” are “creating havoc” in the Meadows area of Portadown over the last few days, it has been claimed.
There have been reports that staff at McDonalds, the Meadows Shopping Centre and Tim Horton’s have been subjected to vile abuse and, in some cases, assaulted.
DUP Councillor Lavelle McIlwrath has condemned these recent incidences of assault, criminal damage and vandalism carried out in the Meadow Lane area of town.
“Information to hand suggests that a particular group of teenagers, some of whom are known to police, are creating havoc around the Meadows shopping centre, McDonalds and indeed other retail outlets in the area,” he explained.
“Security staff at the Meadows, staff at McDonalds and employees at Tim Horton’s have all been subjected to abuse and in some cases assault over the last few days as well as criminal damage caused to several businesses in the area.
“Traffic lights were also damaged at Meadow Lane to the extent that a serious road traffic collision could have occurred.
“All of these incidents are unacceptable and deplorable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
“In the last 24hrs I have been liaising with PSNI, PCSP, Businesses and Community Reps in order to bring about a robust and swiftly co-ordinated response to these unwarranted attacks and incidents.
“I also appeal to parents and guardians to make sure they know where their children and young people are particularly in the evening in Portadown.
“It is important that employees and businesses can work and trade without fear of attack or damage. These reckless incidents must stop and stop now.”
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