Bushmills racists responsible for upturn in hate crime
Thursday, 21 August 2008
A dramatic rise in hate crime across the North Coast can largely be blamed on a group of racists from Bushmills, a senior PSNI figure has said.
Last Monday Coleraine District Policing Partnership learned hate crimes rose by 40 per cent over the last three months, with a number of attacks being carried out in Portballintrae.
Acting Chief Inspector John Wisener told members a "particular group who have racist views" were responsible for the bulk of crimes which brought about the increase.
However, chairperson of Bushmills Residents and Environmental Forum, Derwyn Brewster, has said it was unfair of the police to label anyone in the village in this way particularly when no-one has been charged with the crimes.
“I don't want to comment, but what I will say is that the police do not have any proof of anyone in the village having carried any of this out.
“It's not fair to label anyone in the village in this or any way, especially when nobody in the village has been charged with anything."
Chief Inspector Wisener added: "Police are robustly investigating these crimes and have put in place a stringent policy to achieve this.
“Police, including a minority liaison officer are working closely with one individual who has been the subject of seven hate incidents associated with his business interests."
However, one representative of the community insisted everyone knew who was responsible.
“We as a community are very concerned that the dogs are barking the names of the people and the group responsible, but nothing is happening," she said.
“We are concerned that an example is set that says, as a community, we will not tolerate this."
Chief inspector Wisener said everything was being done to investigate recent crimes but insisted his officers depended on witnesses coming forward.
Asked if police were close to making arrests, he told the meeting he was unable to comment on specific live investigations.
It's understood many of the attacks referred to were targeted at premises owned by a Bulgarian businessman.
In May, arsonists destroyed two cars and caused extensive damage to a Portballintrae apartment block.
The following month licensed premises in Bushmills were petrol bombed.
“We are very lucky there has not been a fatality," said Councillor Norman Hillis.
“It is very worrying for the community particularly in Portballintrae that this is happening in our midst."
Independent partnership member Vinny Robinson added: "People's lives have been damaged - it's horrific what they have been going through".
