Thugs targeted in Decies initiative

HOUSEHOLDERS in Waterford are being issued with a four-page fact sheet telling them how they can fight back against thugs.

Twenty-thousand householders across Waterford City and County are being given the information as part of a concerted fightback against thugs engaging in anti-social behaviour.

The leaflets tell householders what to do to rid their streets and estates of criminal elements and where to go for advice on everything from drug abuse to housing issues.

The project sends a clear message to recipients that dealing with anti-social behaviour takes a joint effort and will have to involve the two local authorities, gardaí, social services, the judiciary and parents.

The four-page leaflet has been drawn up by Workers Party councillors John Halligan and Davy Walsh. Mr Halligan believes in Waterford anti-social behaviour is at a crisis level. “This should not be tolerated and cannot be allowed to continue. People deserve a quality of life, part of which is to live in peace and comfort in their own homes and neighbourhoods,” he said.

Those who harass, intimidate, use violence, rob, burn and destroy peoples’ property must not, he added, be allowed to win, because they posed a direct threat to neighbourhoods and to the fabric of society. There are extensive laws, which gave local authorities powers to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The legal system also had an important role to play and when thugs came before the courts they should be dealt with appropriately.

It is also suggested those found guilty, in the courts, of anti-social behaviour, assault or damage to personal or council property should pay full compensation.