Residents on a Co Down housing estate have said they've considered moving out after decades living there due to the rise in anti-social behaviour.
Each summer, arson attacks and other forms of trouble increase in the Model Farm estate, leaving families afraid to leave their homes, and some not sleeping at night out of fear. Endless calls for action, are "falling on deaf ears" as property is being damaged by the attacks.
In recent weeks, a number of cars have been torched and fires lit close to homes. Speaking to Belfast Live, residents say they have "just about had enough".
READ MORE: Family left 'terrified' after car torched overnight
One resident, who has lived in the Model Farm for more than 40 years, says they have always been content in the area, but that due to the most recent incidents, they "would leave in the morning if they could".
They said: "Every summer we expect this. You can't go away and leave your windows open, you can't leave clothes out, you can't even sit out your back - all because of the smoke from the fires. It is ridiculous. This last episode is the worst ever.
"We weren't home at the time, and we got a phonecall from one of our neighbours to tell us that there was a fire very close to our home. It was terrifying to get that call when we were away. When we saw the photos we were worrying about our oil tank, which is at the side of the house - if that had of went up in flames, goodness knows what would have happened.
"That night when we went home, we didn't sleep all night. It was awful. We were so agitated about it, and afraid.
"No matter who we talk to, they say there's nothing they can do unless they catch them doing it [the anti-social behaviour]. They won't catch them doing it.
"I was always happy here and content. I spoke with a very good friend the other morning and told her that this was the first time I could say, if I could get out of the estate, I would be away in the morning. That is sad.
"This has to stop. Something has to be done and we can't go on like this. We can't live like this, and we shouldn't be expected to live like this. Every summer we are waiting on the fires. It's the bins too, they have been burned too.
"We are sort of looked on at as second class citizens, because we live here. There is a lot of decent people in the Model Farm and none of us want this."
Police say they have increased activity in response to the disorder in Downpatrick. Posting on their social media page, they wrote: "We will continue to be robust in tackling this anti-social behaviour to allow our community to live peacefully."
Downpatrick Police Station is less than one mile from the anti-social behaviour in the Model Farm estate. The £11million station opened in November 2015 and at the time of opening, Anne Connolly, Chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board said: "The £11million investment made is not just an investment in property so that police and support staff can do their work effectively; it is an investment in the future services for the people of this area.
"It is important for people in this community to know that their policing needs are being met. And I am sure that the people of Newry, Mourne and Down will welcome the commitment to policing they have been given by investing in this new building."
Some residents have said they feel failed by police in terms of tackling the problems ongoing in their community. They believe that the problems will only continue, and get worse, if appropriate action is not taken.
Belfast Live asked the PSNI for an interview to discuss residents' concerns. The PSNI declined Belfast Live's request.
A Housing Executive spokesperson said: “We are aware of a recent increase in anti-social behaviour in the Model Farm area of Downpatrick.
"Over the past year, we have carried out a comprehensive alley-gating scheme in the Model Farm and at Killough Walk in the Flying Horse. These initiatives have been very successful in reducing anti-social behaviour at these particular locations and feedback from residents has been very positive.
"We attended an on-site meeting with police to discuss matters last week and have provided input, where appropriate. Anti-social behaviour can be reported to us online via nihe.gov.uk or by calling 03448 920 900.
"In the event of evidence being received, tenants or members of their households who may in breach of tenancy agreements may face appropriate action. Serious anti-social behaviour should be reported to police by calling 101."
Police have said they received a report of arson at the Feadenach Park area of Downpatrick at around 7:30pm on Wednesday July 13. It was reported that a fire was started in a field in the area.
A PSNI spokesperson added: "Damage was caused to a fence and a caravan that was located nearby as the fire spread. Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire.
"Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 1725 13/07/22."
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