Police focus to fall on youths '˜causing havoc' in Whitehead

The development follows a spate of incidents including a church window being smashed.

Retailer Jackie Wright, owner of the Spar, at Edward Road, reported that gangs of young people have been stealing eggs from the shop to throw at windows.

“Gangs of youths from outside Whitehead have been coming in causing havoc,” he said on social media.

Mr Wright indicated that thefts from the store and other incidents reported to police are on the increase.

One woman commented: “Damaging any house of worship is a new low.”

A spokesperson for PSNI Carrickfergus said: “Anti-social behaviour and vandalism has been on the rise in Whitehead in recent weeks.

“The reported behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“It is our intention to carry out targeted patrols of the area to prevent these incidents and where possible to find those responsible.

“If you cannot enjoy yourself without annoying people or damaging property it’s maybe best that you stay indoors,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the vandalism attack at Whitehead Baptist Church, Slaughterford Road, to get in touch.

They believe that a window was broken sometime between 9.30 pm on October 28 and 9.10 am on October 29.

Anyone who saw this incident or who can provide any information, is urged to ring police on 101, quoting crime reference number 293.