Police in Derry have been called on to tackle “as a matter of urgency” the city’s escalating car crime.
The call comes from Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney who has expressed fears someone would be killed if the issue was not given “paramount importance.”
Mr McCartney was speaking after a hike in incidents of cars being stolen and burned out and the number of young people driving around in so-called “runaround”cars.
He said “In February, I had a meeting with senior members of the PSNI in the city to discuss what can only be described as a car crime epidemic.
“The activity isn't confined to just one location, it covers a wide area from Culmore to the Northlands district.
“Sadly, since my meeting with the PSNI the problem has escalated.
“There isn’t a weekend goes past now that a number of cars are being stolen and we are increasingly seeing the problems of so called runaround cars.
“We are seeing evidence that some of these cars are being sold on to young people for as little as £20 a vehicle.
“There have also been a high number of burglaries, attempted car thefts, cars being broken into, cars being driven at high speed placing motorists, pedestrians and now even residents in their own homes in great danger.
Mr McCartney added: “It’s of paramount importance that the PSNI tackle this as a matter of urgency and put in place whatever steps and resources are needed before we have a fatality on our hands.”
Photo shows a so-called "runaround" car which was abandoned at Baldrick Crescent in the Rosemount area where it was later set on fire.
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