The PSNI has “written to the parents” of dozens of young people who have been committing serious criminal offences in north Belfast including rioting, carrying offensive weapons and hate crimes as four suspects are arrested.
The youths were detained on Friday on suspicion of riotous behaviour, possession of offensive weapons, possessing a blade or point in a public place and making threats to kill.
They remain in police custody.
A total of 53 youths have been identified as participating in anti-social behaviour in the past number of weeks.
Files have been submitted to the Public Prosecution Service in relation to 14 young people and Community Resolution Notices have been issued in some cases.
Police have engaged with parents and guardians in an effort to “find solutions”.
North Belfast Area Commander Chief Inspector Alan Lowry said the ongoing anti-social behaviour has “led to criminal offences, some disorder and hate crimes”.
“We have engaged with a number of statutory partners to try to resolve the ongoing issues, as well as local community representatives, youth groups and the wider community,” he added.
“To date, officers have identified 53 young people as being involved in anti-social behaviour and I have written letters to them and their parents and guardians, highlighting the dangers and consequences of taking part in anti-social behaviour, which is leading to disorder and hate crimes.
“We have worked collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders in the community to engage with young people and to educate them around the impact ASB is having on the community of north Belfast.
“14 young people have already been taken down the formal criminal justice route, with a number of files submitted to the public prosecution service and Community Resolution Notices issued.
“Some of the incidents we are dealing with include assaults on police, riotous behaviour, disorderly behaviour, possession of offensive weapons and criminal damage.”
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The detective warned those engaging in the disruptive behaviour that there will be consequences.
“To be clear, those involved in committing such offences face the very real prospect of prosecution and a criminal record. We will pursue those involved and bring them before the courts,” he said.
“I need to be very clear, if you engage in antisocial behaviour that progresses into criminal behaviour, disorder or hate crimes we will investigate every avenue available to us to identify you, and you will be arrested. These behaviours are not wanted in the community and we will not shy away from taking robust actions to brings those offenders to justice. Alongside a wide range of partners we have done everything we possibly can to prevent young people from developing into the criminal justice system however we are now left with no other options but to make arrests.
“Patrols will continue and will also be increased in the area to deter further activity of this nature as the safety of local communities is paramount. We cannot deal with these issues alone, we have and will continue to work with a wide range of partners and the community to tackle not just anti-social behaviour but, all issues impacting the community of north Belfast.
“This type of activity can have a detrimental impact on the local community and I would appeal to anyone affected to report anti-social activity immediately via 101.”