A large crowd attended a special meeting in the new Lackagh Centre last week in response to an upsurge in robberies in the area. Garda Sergeant John Gormley and Jarlath Burke were present and Sgt Gormley of crime preventionand outlined measures house-holders and businesses should undertake and the need to work closely with the liaison Gardaí for the area.
New committee elected to carry out duties of group: Chairman Martin Concannon, Secretary Michael O’Brien, Treasurer Damien Duffy and the larger committee representing all villages in our area: Barnaboy – Kevin O’Brien and Robbie Gorham, Ballybrone – John Hynes and Brian Hession. Bullaun – Kenneth Murphy. Ballinvoher – Philip Whelan and Keith O’Hara. Ballyglass – Damien Duffy. Coolarne – John Morris, Patricia Burke and Miko Burke. Rathfee – Gerry Dunleavy. Monard James O’Brien and Sean Cronin. Waterview – David Collins and Niall Kennedy.
The committee decided to set up a texting service, to alert all householders and business people to any suspicious individuals, vehicles or activity. Committee members will call to every home over the next week to collect a database of mobile phone numbers and contacts which will keep the community one step ahead of robbers and con artists. We are asking for a contribution of €5 per home to activate this service. Chairman Martin Concannon called for a more caring and compassionate society and a community which extends the hand of compassion and friendship in post-Celtic Tiger Ireland, not just to our senior citizens but to those among us experiencing economic pressure or housekeeping responsibility.
Community Alert should represent all that is best in the Irish psyche. Do’s and dont’s: don’t keep large sums of money at home, don’t give info about you or your neighbours to strangers, don’t be afraid to call the gardai, your local coordinator or any committee member, don’t put location updates on social media, advise your children not to speak to strangers, leave a light, tv or radio on when leaving the house even for a short time, inform gardai of suspicious cars, noting make, model and registration, ask strangers for identification, insure windows and doors are secure before leaving your home and switch on your alarm if fitted, inform your local committee member and the gardai if your home will be unoccupied during holidays , etc.
