PCSP member Threemilewater Councilor Mark Cooper told committee members the police had warned it was time to move towards “enforcement”.
He said that the V36 area in Newtownabbey required a specific anti-social behavioral strategy.
“We don’t want young people this age to have a criminal record that would last a lifetime,” added Cllr Cooper.
The community planning committee discussed developing an anti-social behavior strategy for the district that would include working with key legal partners already involved in tackling anti-social behavior on the ground, such as PSNI, Housing Executive, Translink, Youth Justice Board, Education Board and Northern Irish Fire and Rescue Service.
It is proposed to follow a model recently introduced in various parishes in Scotland.
A new motorcycle safety awareness project was recently launched at Global Point in Newtownabbey to educate riders and tackle anti-social behavior related to the use of off-road motorcycles in the community.
Antisocial behavior in Antrim and Newtownabbey increased from 4,429 incidents reported to the PSNI between September 2019 and August 2020 to 4,673 between September 2020 and August 2021.
A spate of attacks on the war memorial that destroyed poppy wreaths at the Lilian Bland Park cenotaph in Glengormley was strongly condemned.
Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP previously stated: “The PCSP believes that all young people deserve the right to enjoy their childhood and formative years, to chat with friends and to enjoy our parks and public spaces – as do all residents and visitors our district.
“However, we regularly see behaviors that cause concern for the safety of some young people who gather in groups and display unsocial behavior.
“We also want to encourage parents to speak to their children and advocate good, open communication that highlights the many risks and potential consequences of alcohol, drug use and antisocial behavior to ensure that young people are well informed, supported and empowered them to make positive decisions. “
Paul Michael, Unionist for Airport Ulster Unionist, praised the successful reduction of anti-social behavior in Crumlin Glen and said: “We do not need Scotland to look for guidance or any other model. We have our own model and did a fantastic job. “
Threemilewater Alliance Councilor Julie Gilmour, Chairwoman of Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP, commented, “We all know there has been anti-social behavior across the district. I am pleased that this is progressing. “
Antrim DUP Councilor Paul Dunlop said anti-social behavior “escalated” during Covid and Halloween is “becoming the biggest anti-social event of the year”.
Glengormley SDLP Councilor Noreen McClelland noted that the PCSP “has worked tirelessly to combat antisocial behavior”.
She went on to say that she was glad to see the new strategy.
“If residents raise concerns, we need to address them. I think that’s the best way forward. “
Michelle Weir, local democracy reporter
Click here to read: CCTV cameras are being replaced in Glengormley
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