Boost for Garda plan to help elderly feel safe in rural homes

A PILOT programme to help older people feel safer in their homes may be extended as gardaí say it is working successfully.

The Crime Prevention Ambassador Programme – which was launched in Cavan, Monaghan and Meath last year, and extended to Longford last month – uses ‘crime ambassadors’ who deliver crime prevention advice and leaflets.

Sergeant Lionel Mullally said much of the thinking behind the strategy was geared at adopting simple, precautionary advice.

‘Ninety-nine per cent of criminals are opportunists. More often than not they will go for something simple like a handbag that’s left on display or a door that’s left open, for the simple reason they don’t want to engage with anyone and don’t want to be caught.’ The Longford-based sergeant said altering the way people feel about crime is the yardstick upon which the ambassador strategy would be tested.

The pilot programme aims to tackle the reality and perception of crime among older people in rural communities.

‘If it’s a case that crime is either falling short or going down, that’s great, we will trumpet it, we will tell everybody how wonderful we are. But if the perception among people in this town and county is that it’s not safe to walk the streets or to go to certain areas, then we are failing in our jobs. Not just us but so is the council and all the other parties that are invested in making Longford a better place.’

Superintendent Jim Delaney welcomed the Crime Prevention Ambassadors’ programme and said he is confident it will be successful.

It is now hoped the programme will be rolled out nationwide.