The PSNI says it is "aware" of reports of anti-social behaviour at a city centre car park, and surrounding areas. A number of issues, including drug use, and reported trespassing at the NCP car park on Francis Street has been flagged.
Members of the public, who use the car park for work Monday to Friday, have said the car park would be a preferred choice due to its competitive pricing. However incidents in recent weeks, including drugs paraphernalia on the grounds of the car park stairwells has caused concern to some who use the facilities.
Police told Belfast Live that officers are aware of reports of anti-social behaviour in the Francis Street area of Belfast City Centre. Sergeant Wallace said: “Drug and substance misuse and dealing is a policing priority, and we will continue to work with communities and partner agencies to reduce the threat of harmful and illegal activity.
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"We will continue to use high visibility, targeted patrols and every method at our disposal to disrupt and arrest drug dealers involved in the sale and supply of drugs, and put them before the courts. We would also remind those who use needles of the risks to others that they cause by discarding these items so wantonly. Such items can be dangerous, especially to younger children who may not be aware of what they have found.
"We all have a responsibility to help make where we live safer for everyone. Reporting crimes or incidents that impact on your quality of life helps focus our patrols where they are needed and take positive action."
A spokesperson for NCP also told Belfast Live that their team has been doing all they can, including cleaning up any debris "as soon as they see it". NCP has increased patrols on the Francis Street site in recent weeks.
"This is a concern that affects this area in general, and so, as our buildings are open to the public, we are experiencing anti-social behaviour on this car park," the spokesperson added.
"Our team has bi weekly calls with the council who support businesses in the area experiencing these concerns. From our side we have increased patrols on this site in recent weeks, and secure door entry is in place at the main pedestrian entrances and the entry/exit has automatic shutters to try and restrict entry to car park users only.
"Our staff are car park operators and are not Police, so they can only ask offenders to leave and call the Police. The team do all they can to clear up the debris left behind as soon as they see it, and we are continually looking to prevent the trespassing and antisocial behaviour in this area, that is affecting all of us."
Belfast City Council has been asked for comment.
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