Minister to crack down on joyriding

A Northern Ireland minister is to be given special responsibility for heading a crack-down on joyriding in the province, it was revealed today.

More than two dozen people have been killed and many more injured, mainly in Belfast, by the teenage craze of joyriding in stolen cars.

The latest victim was Kieran Conlon who was killed recently by a speeding car outside a west Belfast nightspot.

Prime Minister Tony Blair has asked the NIO to work with a group campaigning against joyriding, Families Bereaved Through Car Crime, after they contacted him, a Government spokesman said.

Mr Blair told the group in a letter last week that a minister would work directly with them and Secretary of State Dr John Reid will meet them soon.

Campaign co-ordinator Tony Holland, who is urging public support for a rally at Belfast City Hall on Saturday, said Mr Blair had pledged his support for their campaign.

Mr Holland said: ‘‘We need tougher sentences immediately and a new law.

‘‘People are very angry - these criminals and thugs are still driving around and taunting the community despite the latest death.

‘‘Families feel helpless at what’s happened and so are pleading with people to come out and support them on Saturday.’’

The group is currently waiting for a meeting with Home Secretary David Blunkett in London to discuss the curse of joyriding.