Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Jane Corscadden

Belfast City Centre: Graffiti at Central Library as 'brazen' vandals target Cathedral Quarter

A city centre group are appealing for information after ongoing anti-social behaviour resulted in the exterior of Belfast's Central Library being "destroyed" by graffiti.

Public benches also had to be removed from the Cathedral Gardens area after a number of items were stolen as "brazen" vandals targeted the city centre.

The Cathedral Quarter Belfast page on Facebook said there had been a "significant increase" in vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the city centre location since Christmas.

The group said the PSNI had been contacted about the ongoing situation, with cleaning teams "flat out" in removing graffiti.

They added: "So brazen are the vandals that the Graffiti often reappears 48 hours after we remove it! This not only incurs significant cost but diverts us from our planned Cleanteam activity in Cathedral Quarter.

"We have been liaising with colleagues in PSNI and the City Council who are aware of the situation and, like us, are doing all they can."

Picnic benches at Cathedral Gardens were damaged (Cathedral Quarter Belfast/Facebook)

They said the situation has become so dire that they have had to remove the picnic tables, as they appealed for anyone who may have spotted those responsible to get in contact with the PSNI.

"The ongoing vandalism and theft of the picnic tables at Cathedral Gardens takes place in early evening," the group continued.

"We cannot let these vandals and criminals win. We are in the process of removing the picnic benches at Cathedral Gardens with the regrettable loss of amenity to the area.

"A disproportionate amount of our valuable resources continue to be spent dealing with this rather that enhancing our area.

"It is very important that all such behaviour and incidents are reported, this enables PSNI to effectively target their resources."

Sergeant Jackson said: “We have seen an increase in graffiti in the city centre over recent weeks, which is certainly not a victimless crime. These are local businesses, organisations and other statutory agencies who are greatly impacted by this type of criminal damage to their properties.

“Last week, an 18 year old man was arrested and subsequently street bailed for related offences. Police will maintain a visible presence in the area and will work closely with our partner agencies to tackle these issues.

“We would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to issues of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage in the Cathedral Quarter area to contact police on 101.”

For the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.