Communities urged to help build safer neighbourhoods
Communities across Cavan are being encouraged to report crime, suspicious activity and anti-social behaviour as part of efforts to create safer, stronger and more connected neighbourhoods.
The call followed a motion tabled by Michael Fitzpatrick, residential representative on the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), at a meeting in the Hotel Kilmore.
His proposal, which is set to form part of the LCSP’s forthcoming Community Safety Plan, aims to create safe spaces where people feel comfortable reporting concerns.
“There is a lot of stuff going on that should be reported,” Mr Fitzpatrick told the meeting, stressing that communities have a vital role in preventing crime and protecting their areas. However, he said people must feel supported, listened to and confident their concerns will be taken seriously.
He said community groups and local volunteers could help address problems before they escalate by promoting trusted reporting channels and encouraging open communication.
Fine Gael’s T.P. O’Reilly supported the motion, urging local groups to take an active role. Independent councillor Brendan Fay also backed the proposal, noting that some people fear intimidation, are unsure how to report incidents or worry about confidentiality.
“They don’t want to be called a snitch,” he said, encouraging people to come forward and assuring them that information would be handled sensitively.
Sinn Féin’s Damien Brady suggested that community alert groups could provide an effective way forward. While many had fallen by the “wayside” in recent years, he believes there is significant scope to re-invigorate them and give them an active role in protecting communities.
Fine Gael’s Carmel Brady said the presence of a community alert group could be enough to deter criminal gangs from targeting an area, particularly in rural communities.
“We all need to be more alert,” she said, adding that people should not be afraid to photograph a vehicle they notice acting suspiciously. “We need to send that message out.”
Property marking
WhatsApp groups could also help neighbours share information quickly, Cllr Brady suggested. She further highlighted the Property Marking Machine, which will be available to mark bicycles during the Eco-Féile in Cavan from October 23 to 25.
“It would be great to get them going again,” Fianna Fáil’s Clifford Kelly said of community alert groups, describing them as a useful support for gardaí.
Party colleague Niall Smith also backed the motion, stressing the importance of local knowledge of the county’s smaller roads. He warned that fuel thefts could become a concern as darker evenings approach and kerosene prices rise.
Superintendent Gavin O’Reilly reminded the public to call 999 to contact gardaí in an emergency.
He said there had been some confusion following an incident in a town earlier this year, but emphasised that calling 999 is integral to the centralised system for managing Garda resources and deployment.