Minister urges community action over Sliema youths' disturbances

The Home Affairs Minister has urged collective police and community action in Sliema’s Bisazza Street following concerns over late-night disturbances caused by large groups of youths.

He was replying to a question in parliament by PN MP Albert Buttigieg on what action could be taken against youths “causing chaos” in the area and frustrating residents.

“There is an obligation to take action,” Camilleri replied. He said the police and the local council already cooperate well, but stressed that any real impact would require a joint effort.

“What is important is that the communication is not just with the direct persons involved, but also with their parents and community,” he said. “In a strong, active community, you can see better results.”

The minister added that his reference to “community” extended beyond residents, to include NGOs, social and religious groups, all of which have a role in fostering stronger connections and improving communication.

He also said this was an opportunity for community police to get more involved. “The police are not just there to fulfil the traditional role to arrest people and send them to court,” he said.

Community policing had a much wider range of responsibilities and community policing involved good communication between all parties to get better results, he said.

The issue was first flagged publicly by Sliema mayor John Pillow in October, when he posted a video on social media highlighting the disruptive behaviour of youths.

“Enough is enough – residents deserve peace,” he said. “Weekend after weekend, groups of teenagers gather in Bisazza Street — shouting, disturbing residents, and racing up and down on electric bikes.”

He said the street is residential and in his view, “this behaviour is unacceptable.” He also argued that short police patrols were insufficient, and a constant police presence was needed.

Residents also voiced concerns on social media, with posts dating back to September. Some asked where the police were, while others questioned why fast electric bikes were allowed on a residential street.

“The electric bikes are also getting out of hand. I really do not wish to see them on the roads. But they are kids and do not understand the risk of an accident. Their parents neither.”

Others were more sympathetic, saying: “Kids need a place to hang out and activities to do. This is unacceptable as it is the wrong place and there is nothing for them to occupy themselves with.”