Youngsters causing mayhem on High Street - Kilkenny councillor

Younger people are causing mayhem on High Street in Kilkenny according to a city-based councillor.

Councillor John Coonan made the remarks at a recent meeting of the Joint Policing Committee.

“There are young people going into stores on High Street and causing mayhem.

“People in business say that there is a huge increase in younger people engaging in theft and anti-social behaviour. Younger people feel that they have an escape route and they can get away with it.

Community garda patrols in Kilkenny target anti social behaviour

“For some business people it is not just causing serious concern but serious loss. There are groups of teenagers and younger who just disperse when the gardaí arrive,” added Cllr Coonan.

Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit said that he was aware of the issue of youths in particular causing anti-social behaviour in the High Street area of the city.

“It appears to be one particular group who are involved and we are tackling them. The strategy nationally is to try and divert youngsters away from crime under the Juvenile Diversion Scheme. Some of the people we are talking about have used all their lifelines and are before the courts,” he added.