Deterioration of city centre 'a crisis' for business owners

Evans said businesses were dealing with break-ins, vandalism, and burglaries

The owner of a business in Belfast has said the current state of the city centre poses "a serious risk" to the city's reputation after his business was broken into and vandalised.

Richard Evans, owner of The Pocket coffee shop, said the "scale and severity of drug-related activity" and associated vandalism had escalated dramatically in recent months.

In an open letter to Belfast City Council, he accused it of a "total lack of planning, coordination and action" to address "an ongoing and worsening crisis".

The council said it was committed to making Belfast "the best it can be" and to tackling the challenges around homelessness, addiction and anti-social behaviour.

Evans' business was damaged after a keg was thrown through the window

Evans said the city centre was at a "tipping point" and would "continue to deteriorate" without decisive action.

His business was recently damaged after a beer keg was thrown through the window and the interior "destroyed".

He added: "We are dealing with addicts injecting in public spaces, including inside business premises.

"We are dealing with attempted break-ins, vandalism, and now full-scale burglaries where individuals, under the influence and acting out of desperation, are smashing their way into shops and cafés."

BBC News NI has previously reported on shop staff in Belfast feeling like "second-class citizens" due to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

Evans said businesses in Belfast were "stretched to their limits"

Evans said rough sleeping had also "increased significantly", with vulnerable individuals "left without support".

He described the situation as "deeply inhumane" for those in need of help, and called for "immediate, visible, and meaningful action".

He said this should include a strategy to address drug misuse, increased police and community safety presence, a plan for supporting rough sleepers and engagement with business owners.

The council spokesperson said: "While our council does not have the statutory powers to set up new healthcare facilities, place people into temporary accommodation, or take action to tackle crime, we recognise the role we do have in bringing partners together and ensuring these issues and concerns are addressed."

The spokesperson said the council was working to support those who were homeless and vulnerable and also works with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to provide a visible presence in the city centre.

PSNI Ch Insp Andy George said the PSNI was "committed to addressin