Deirdre Gavin
AN Garda Síochána are this week running a National Safety Initiative, ‘Garda Supporting Safer Communities Campaign’ from June 1 to June 6. The aim of the campaign is to obtain strategic benefits in public re-assurance and improve the perception of public safety within communities.
The primary objective of this campaign is to raise awareness within communities, of initiatives aimed at preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime and promoting road safety during the summer months. The primary focus during this campaign, from a ‘national’ perspective will be in the following five areas; burglaries, theft from vehicles, theft of farm machinery, theft of pedal cycles and road safety.
Based on data collected, the Gardaí are hoping to highlight how some of these crimes may be avoided.
Sergeant Tony Cosgrove, Crime Prevention Officer in Mayo said: “There have been approximately 1,316 items of farm equipment stolen in the past 12 months, a 5 per cent increase on the previous 12 months. Increased amounts of these thefts occur in spring and autumn, which may be related to peak farming activity. Thefts can occur at all hours and days of the week. Farm items stolen include tractors, quad bikes, gates and fertilizer. Gardaí are urging farmers to store tools and smaller machinery in secured buildings and to keep a detailed record of the make, serial number and colour as well as marking property.”
Coming close to the summer the Gardaí are eager to warn the public of crimes such as theft from vehicles which increases during these months as tourists and recreational locations are targeted by criminals.
“Last year stolen cash was the outcome of 27 per cent of incidents, mobile phones account for 15 per cent, handbags 14 per cent, while satellite navigation systems made up 13 per cent. There has been a 12 per cent increase in laptops stolen and an 8 per cent increase in mobile phones stolen in the last year. With this in mind members of the public are being urged not to leave any personal belongings on view in a car if needed lock valuables in the boot,” added Sgt Cosgrove.
As road deaths make up a large percentage of Irish fatalities Gardaí are also urging the public to take care when getting behind the wheel. Drivers are four times more likely to crash whilst on a mobile phone and so Gardaí are asking motorists to switch off before they drive off. With inappropriate speed being the biggest single factor in fatal and serious collisions Gardaí also are asking motorists to slow down especially when weather and road conditions deteriorate or when visibility is reduced. More information on the initiative can be found at www.garda.ie
It has already been welcomed by community councils responsible for Community Alert areas across the country.
