Ballyclare criminal damage: Police investigate after properties damaged

Damage caused to a window at Brown's Coffee Shop in Ballyclare. Pic courtesy of Love Ballyclare. INNT 17-805CON

A police spokesperson said: “Two windows at a coffee shop on Main Street were smashed between 10.30pm last night and 7am this morning. A window at a house in Avondale Drive was also damaged.”

The police are urging anyone with information to contact them on the non-emergency number 101.

Cllr Vera McWilliam has condemned the incidents. The UUP representative said: “I condemn these incidents completely. This is not the type of carry-on that we want in Ballyclare. We have always had good relations in the town. Whoever is behind this will need to get the message that we don’t want this. It is despicable that Brown’s Coffee Shop has been attacked. It brings business to the town and offers people a place to go and relax. I would urge anyone with any information about the incidents to contact the police.”

These sentiments have been echoed by her party colleague, Cllr David Arthurs.

He said: “This is totally unacceptable and not something that we want to see in Ballyclare. I am urging anyone with information to contact the police.”

Commenting on the incidents, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Thomas Hogg said: “It’s very concerning to hear about this wanton vandalism on both commercial and residential premises. Brown’s is a very popular and well established business in the town and local people are dismayed at this sort of reckless destruction. Anyone with information should contact the police to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice swiftly.”

The incidents have also been condemned by South Antrim PUP representative, Scott McDowell, who has called for the introduction of CCTV in the town. He said: “After successful talks between ourselves and local police with regards to anti-social behaviour in the town, we are dismayed today that another business and a house have been damaged overnight through senseless acts of vandalism. Once again we would urge everyone to be vigilant and report anything suspicious. We would also call on the council to look into the installation of CCTV. This could well prevent a lot of the problem and at the very least, would help catch those involved.”