Police have warned parents in Derry to advise their children about the dangers of ‘used needles’ after it emerged that ‘dozens’ have been discarded publicly in the Shantallow area.
The issue was raised by local resident Paddy Harkin who was walking between Cornshell Fields and the Skeoge Road when he noticed ‘dozens’ of needles strewn along the side of the road.
“They’re everywhere,” he explained, “I was just walking down the Skeoge road and I’ve seen posts on Facebook about needles around that area so I was keeping an eye out and after I saw the first one, it was all I could see.”
He said there are always drug users near ‘Shanty tunnel’ or Ballyarnett Country Park but most needles are left lying at the side of the road. “You wouldn’t notice them unless you know what you’re looking for,” he added.
Responding to the residents' concerns, the PSNI said it was ‘acutely aware of the dangers of illegal drug use in our communities'.
Sergeant Dermot Butler commented: “Those individuals who use needles need to be aware of the risks they could cause to others by discarding them wantonly. Such items are extremely dangerous, especially to younger children who may not be aware of what they have found.
"Our advice to anyone finding a syringe or needle is not to touch the item but to contact police or the district council immediately who will dispose of it safely.
“Parents should also give this advice to their children.”
He added: “Drug abuse is a complex societal issue, but police are actively playing our part in keeping people safe through the enforcement of drug laws. We are working with our partner agencies, community representatives and local councillors to tackle this issue.”
Last month the independent Shantallow councillor Warren Robinson posted a photograph of needles recovered at Ballyarnett County Park.
He said: "One man walking his dog came across used needles in the same location three mornings in a row. This is beside where young people would access the Ballyarnett Country Park.
Whoever is dumping these syringes in this location needs to stop immediately. Used needles can transmit many viruses and diseases and could potentially make a child extremely ill.
This is dangerous and irresponsible. Residents are extremely angry about this."
Sinn Féin Councillor for the Ballyarnett area Sandra Duffy said needles were found in the area in the recent days and weeks which ‘causes great concern’.
“While I don’t know what they have been used for, I’m shocked to learn that used needles have been found lying in grass areas beside streets.”
Ms Duffy said it was becoming a bigger problem for local communities and encouraged those using the needles to firstly seek help from the appropriate agencies and to dispose of their needles safely through local pharmacies who often run needle exchange schemes.
Another councillor for the area, the SDLP’s Brian Tierney, confirmed further reports of discarded needles.
He warned people to be ‘very, very careful’ when out walking with children and to ensure they ‘don’t lift them’.
Mr Tierney has asked those carrying out street cleaning duties in the Shantallow/Ballyarnett area to be extra vigilant.
PSNI in the city have said they are dedicated to keeping people safe and have appealed to anyone who has any knowledge about the sale and distribution of drugs to call them on ‘101’ or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Any information you can give us is vital in our ongoing fight against criminality,” Sergeant Butler said.
ABOVE - One of the needles which was discovered by the man.
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