A rise in stolen cars being used to terrorise locals is causing "huge distress" in a Dublin suburb.
Sinn Fein Councillor Daithi Doolan, who was previously punched in the back of the head for standing up to joyriders, said those involved need to "take a long hard look at themselves". He also called for coordinated action to resolve the issue that has plagued the Ballyfermot area.
Cllr Doolan said: "There is serious concern at the increase in the number of robbed cars terrorising Cherry Orchard over last weekend. This is causing huge distress for the community, particularly the elderly and those with young children.
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"Those involved need to take a long hard look at themselves and the damage they are doing to this great community.
"Local gardaí are doing their best under difficult conditions. We urgently need a coordinated action plan at the highest level of the Gardaí, Dublin City Council and at Government level to tackle this head on. Otherwise another generation will be lost to this criminality."
Back in January, a gang of a "hundred" or so young men and teenagers stole a car and drove it recklessly up and down the Croftwood area of the city before crashing it into bollards at the end of the road.
Local Councillor Daithi Doolan was in touch with residents about the horrific incident and went down to stand in support with a single mother that lives in the area.
The gang jeered at Daithi when they saw him and one member gave him an "almighty box" to the back of the head "that almost knocked him out".
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