Joy Riders: a plague

The following story was in the Derry Journal this morning and it reminded me of this epidemic that has Plagued Norn Iron for as long as I can remember. Hoods, stealing cars and racing about causing destruction, and injury. I was informed by a mate from Belfast that the PIRA used to knee cap these little demons when caught. It seems the PSNI ( Police service of Northern Ireland) is having difficulty in catching and punishing the joyriders. This fact shows that much more confidence needs to be built in the PSNI by the community as a whole.

I fully understand the historical and cultural reasons behind not cooperating with the authorities, especially in predominately Nationalist/Republican communities. However, as these communities no longer can go to the IRA to meet out justice, I see that they no longer have much choice but to go to the PSNI. For if this kind of crime is not checked, along with the drug trade, their communities will continue to be unsafe. I don't know of anyone who wishes to live in fear of their possessions being stolen or their children being offered drugs. It's the time to cast off the tags of Grass and Tout. The Police can't do it alone, they need the people to help with information.

'Joyriders' return to crash scene for booze

By Staff reporter
Joyriders who overturned a car in a weekend smash at Ballyarnett later returned to the vehicle to recover a crate of beer.
The occupants of the car narrowly escaped serious injury when the vehicle struck a lamppost and overturned close to Cornshell Fields on Saturday night.A helicopter unit searched nearby fields as it was feared the car’s occupants may have been injured in the smash.A number of eye witnesses reported that, after the car crash, a number of youths scrambled out of the overturned Vauxhall, only to quickly return to recover a number of beer bottles from the wreck.A police spokesman told the Journal: “It is understood the burgundy Vauxhall Astra collided with a bus stop and landed on its roof. “A number of youths were seen running from the vehicle in the direction of Cornshell Fields.”Local councillor Tony Hassan says it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed in such an incident.“The PSNI need to address the problem of these run arounds or stolen cars in the Greater Shantallow area over the weekends.”Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Strand Road station on 0845 600 8000 or ‘Crimestoppers’ on 0800 555 111.
http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/Joyriders-return-to-crash-scene.3597698.jp

Slainte'
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