THE rise in anti-social disorder among teenagers and youths in Akbük has sparked an urgent meeting spearheaded by the town’s mayor.

Mayor Erçin Sandalcı sat down with mukhtars and representatives of political parties and NGOs to seek measures to cut down the incidents of attacks, burglaries and graffiti in and around the area.

Mayor Sandalcı said: “The troubles, the incidents caused by some youngsters in Akbük have increased lately.

“This was already a problem in Akbük; we kept having similar incidents which some youngsters were involved in, for either disturbing us or because of disturbances amongst themselves or for political reasons.”

But he said there had been an upsurge of more violent crime, and cited the incident of the attack on the Sümer Café, the breaking of windows, assaults and general troubles flaring in the area.

He said: “We have conveyed the issues to the judicial authorities. These problems should be solved. These problems have been present in Akbük for many years but they increase day by day.”

Mayor Sandalcı said there were many reasons behind these assaults. He said: “They, of course, have various reasons and they need to be dealt with.

“When you take a close look at it though, the names and addresses all indicate the same point which means more radical measures are required.

“First of all, those who are involved in these incidents should set themselves in order.

“Secondly, the families of these youngsters should not nourish the atmosphere of rage and hatred. I believe no parent would tell their children to cause trouble; yet, the attitude and certain dialogues between the parents might put certain thoughts in the youngster’s mind.

“The third point is that the youngsters have social problems, such as unemployment and having nothing else to do.

“The fourth point is the security aspect: Akbük is considered secondary patrol in gendarme literature. They are considering upgrading it to first degree and dispatching a special team and an officer here if the Gendarme General Command approves it.”

Speakers suggested various solutions including having social activities for the youth, providing opportunities of employment and called on everyone in Akbük to act with common sense.