Teenage gangs terrorising Johnstown residents

A teenage gang been terrorising residents in the Millbrook area of Johnstown, with one man having been threatened with a knife.

A seven-year-old girl was terrified by thugs who launched a firework directly at her, leaving her extremely traumatised, while the same group have also aimed fireworks at her home.

These incidents are examples of the escalating anti social behaviour in the community, according to Cllr Alan Lawes, who has called a public meeting in a bid to tackle the problem.

He has invited the local community, the Gardai and TDs to the meeting on 20th October in O'Briens at 7.30pm.

One local man has spoken out about the threats and intimidation endured by his family over the last three weeks.

"My seven-year-old daughter had a firework launched directly at her, causing significant distress. They frightened the life out of her. She has hearing aids so it was particularly hard on her.

"My home and electric car were targeted with fireworks, with one device exploding underneath the vehicle.

"My car has now sustained physical damage as a direct result of these attacks

"One of them threatened to stab me and showed me a knife. I have also received further threats since these incidents.

"They launched fireworks at my house - there are scorch marks on my upstairs windows. I have complained to the Gardai but they seem to be able to do very little about it."

He said the local community is living in constant fear. "There is a genuine concern that continued lack of Garda action will leave people feeling they have no option but to take matters into their own hands—an outcome that no one wants.

"It is not acceptable for families and children to live in fear or for property to be damaged, with little sign of support or justice. I believe it is vital to highlight these issues and the increasingly desperate atmosphere facing ordinary residents."

Cllr Lawes said there have been many reports over the last few days of teenagers attacking houses around Johnstown.

"One man rang me in fear after passing large groups of teenagers on electric bikes and scooters attacking people's houses with fireworks.

"Other residents contacted me reporting teenagers on large wheeled electric bikes flying up the roads with no lights weaving in and out of traffic with balaclavas on and intimidating anyone who says anything to them."

He recalled an incident last year where a man was being harassed constantly. "Youths put fireworks through his letterbox and set his home on fire and he never returned.”

"This level of anti social and criminal intimidation and behaviour has to be stamped out," he said.

More to follow...