This article is from page 21 of the 2011-09-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 21 JPG
RESIDENTS and business people across Clare are being urged to engage with a campaign aimed at promoting safer communities.
The week-long ‘Supporting Safer Communities’ campaign, initiated by gardaí, is aimed at reducing the fear of crime and also to increase the level of road safety in general.
The crime prevention officer in the Clare Garda Division Sergeant Joe Downey is responsible for ensuring the campaign rolls out in the county over the next week.
He told The Clare People that vigilance is essential if crime rates are to be curbed. Several homes and businesses across the county have been targeted by burglars in recent months and gardaí are keen to encourage people to get involved in business watch and neighbourhood watch programmes.
“Burglaries are on the increase. People need to pay more attention to their homes,” said Sgt Downey.
“When selecting a target, the burglar assesses how easily they can enter a house. They look for houses with weakened entry points, where the residents are careless about security and houses with few or no security devices,” he added.
“Research shows most burglars tend not to target occupied homes. They look out for cues such as lights on or cars in driveways. Houses at risk include those vacant for extended periods,” he added.
He said that neighbours should keep an eye out for each other, in an effort to ensure they are safe.
Among the recommendations from gardaí include improving home security; getting into a routine of locking all doors and windows before going to bed; turning on the alarm; storing valuables in secure locations and en- suring large amounts of cash are not stored at home.
“One of the best security devices is your neighbour. Leave your spare key with a trusted neighbour who can also keep an eye on your house when you are away. Avoid hiding a spare key under a mat or other hiding spot,” said Sgt Downey.
During the campaign, there will also be a focus on road safety. Gardaí will focus on the main issues that they come across on the roads – speed, drink driving, non-wearing of seat belts and the use of mobile phones while driving.
Gardaí are appealing to farmers and contractors using machinery on roads to take care over the coming months when the days are shorter and busy periods loom on farms.
Anyone requiring further information on this initiative, which runs until next Tuesday, should contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100.