This article is from page 16 of the 2014-09-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
atives aimed at preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime and pro moting community and road safety,” Crime Prevention Off cer, Sgt Joe Downey explained.
“We hope to achieve this objective, by visible, accessible, and proactive involvement with the various com munity partnerships and crime pre vention initiatives operating in their local areas.”
Sgt Downey said these measures will include: proactive foot patrols, mountain bike patrols and increased high visibility marked Garda car patrolling; erection of information stands at strategic locations such as supermarkets and festivals.
Gardaí will also meet with elderly residents of the area and multi agen cy community partners to promote interaction and joint approaches to common problems.
Sgt Downey explained that burgla ries tend to increase over the winter months.
He said security measures such as a properly working alarm and keep ing an unrestricted view of their property especially from the front in order to deprive would be criminals of cover, are essential to preventing burglaries.
He continued, “Report all attempt ed burglaries and burglaries immedi ately on discovery. Over half of all burglaries are through the rear of the property so extra security measures are required. In one f fth of burgla ries entry is gained through an un secured door or window. Keep them securely locked when the property is vacant. “The most common property stolen is jewellery, cash, laptops, tools and hi f equipment like cameras games consoles etc. Keep your most expen sive items hidden from obvious plac es and keep a record of them (photo) and mark large items in case they are recovered after being stolen. Be aware that keys left on a table close to the door can be ‘f shed’ out through the letter box,” Sgt Downey said.