Rise in anti-social gangs of youths at Laois shopping centre

Summer has brought increased numbers of groups of youths displaying anti-social behaviour into Laois Shopping Centre and surrounding areas.

Laois Shopping Centre has seen a rise in issues since the end of the school year, according to its manager.

However he rejected that security had to do “a temporary lockdown”, a claim made by a member of the public to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Kevin Doyle says the issue is kept under control, while a senior Laois Garda has confirmed that prosecutions have followed some incidences at the shopping centre.

Mr Doyle spoke to the Leinster Express.

“We have been having a lot of anti-social behaviour since schools went on holiday. At night we close one section but it wasn’t a lockdown. We have security who have it under control and we liaise with local Gardaí. 

“It’s not just us, a crowd of youths did harm in McDonalds and we contacted the Gardaí and we have CCTV footage of that.

“On occasion, groups use our centre as a shortcut to the park, but we wouldn’t let big groups through. After exams we get an influx hanging around with nowhere to go, but we have plenty of security to move them on. We are also looking out for them and their welfare.

“We don’t tolerate loitering. If someone did notice a door being closed, it isn’t a lockdown. Tesco is open from 8am to 10pm, there are nine entrances to the shopping centre, we can’t go around closing them all. A lockdown would be serious, and only done if there was a fire or an evacuation,” the centre manager said.

A senior Garda has confirmed that there has been incidences, but say they have not increased.

“We have responded to some public order incidents but I wouldn’t agree that there is a need for increased patrols. These are sporadic, once-off incidences and we are dealing with any prosecutions that may arise. There have been issues and people have been prosecuted.

“I am not aware of any lockdown. Any issues that are brought to our attention are dealt with, working in conjunction with Laois Shopping Centre. We deal with them successfully, we work together very well,” the senior Garda said.