Gang of youths targeting businesses in  Kildare

RESIDENTS and business owners in Newbridge are “under siege” by a group of young teenagers, with reports of escalating anti-social behaviour ranging from vandalism and intimidation to alleged assaults. “Many people have been harassed, attacked targeted racially or just for fun, businesses have lost money and its impacting their livelihoods,” said a local mother about the upsurge in anti-social behaviour around the town.

“It’s really bad, it’s the same group of kids every day. Their age seems to be first years, 12 or 13, and the guards are ineffectual.

She added: “From egging cars passing by Dunnes stores or Aldi, Whitewater has been egged and has had damage done. A Domino's pizza driver has been attacked and harassed on multiple occasions, including kicking his car.” 

The woman said she is concerned her own teenage son when he is out and town that he could be attacked or even be branded as one of the gang.

She added: “I even caught myself starring and thinking the worst of a group of teens on a corner who turned out to be good lads but I'm sure every local business owner and locals out walking are watching and suspecting every teenage boy of it.

Last week, a post store manager in Newbridge who did not wish to be named was shared widely on the local Newbridge Facebook Forum.

“The ongoing level of youth gangs and their persistent anti-social behaviour is without doubt becoming more brazen, more organised and more aggressive,” according to the store manager.

“These incidents are in no way isolated…(and) these youth gangs have really started to tarnish the town and the word is unfortunately spreading.

“These so-called gangs are making Newbridge their own.

“The frustration that we cannot intervene or take further action is intolerable.

“I have spent countless times on the phone with An Garda Siochana but their resources are understandably limited, and they cannot respond to the current incident level in the Newbridge area.

“Why would we allow such a small minority to have such a detrimental impact on our local area when there is a solution readily available?

“The capacity to resolve this issue does exist, and we now need action to put a stop to it once and for all."

Newbridge councillor cllr Chris Pender corroborated the claims and described the group as "stupid kids".

“We’re talking about 10 and 11 year olds, it’s ridiculous,” he said.

“They do seem to be targeting businesses on the Main Street, mostly vape and electronic shops, as well as Dealz and ALDI.

“It’s bog standard, throwing eggs and intimidating women on their own.

“Where are the parents? Gardaí are limited because of their age, but I do know they are working proactively with youth services in the town like InSync and Foróige.

“I’m trying to liaise with these groups to go out to engage, because they’re not the type to come in to an office.

“I try to wok holistically between the Guards and youth workers, and we will try to help before they do something that stays with them for their entire lives.

“I don’t want to see something happen because they’re being stupid kids.

“There has to be a way to deal with this that’s best for everybody – get them re-directed to more positive outcomes."