New crime text alert for Tralee

A NEW text alert system has been launched at Tralee which will allow the public to instantly and anonymously alert gardaí if they see a crime – be it a public order incident or a robbery in progress.

The ‘See Something, Say Something’ initiative – which embraces know-how from local technology company ZinMobi and Text Republic – has been launched by Tralee Chamber Alliance in partnership with An Garda Síochána.

The project, the first of its kind in Ireland, is for members of the public who ‘See Something’ that might need Garda intervention and to ‘Say Something’ by texting TRALEE and the incident details to 50555.

The free text message will be received by the sergeant on duty and it will be acted upon immediately by local Gardaí.

Managing Consultant at Tralee Chamber Alliance Ken Tobin explained the thinking behind the initiative.

“The findings of our recent brand-development survey confirmed that we all love Tralee and we are proud to live and work in Tralee. But, sometimes, as is the case in every town in the world, there could be a small element who affect how we enjoy it,” he said.

“We want to send out a message that we won’t tolerate anything that impacts on our quality of life. So if you ‘See Something’, ‘Say Something’; text TRALEE and the incident details to 50555. Rather than assuming that someone else will report it, take out your phone, describe what you see and text the details for FREE to 50555,” Mr Tobin said.

Tralee Chamber Alliance has been working with ZinMobi, a Tralee-based technology company, who have sponsored the development and delivery of the ‘See Something, Say Something’ campaign.

Zinmobi and Text Republic Managing Director Brian Stephenson said the firm was proud to be involved in the roll-out of this new service.

“ZinMobi and Text Republic are delighted to be sponsoring the ‘See Something, Say Something’ campaign in Tralee,” he said.

“The technology we’ve built for this initiative uses text messaging, which is ideal as it works on all phones, and it’s a technology that everyone is very familiar with. We designed this system with the goal of making it simple, user-friendly and effective, while ensuring the anonymity of the person making the report,” Mr Stephenson said.

Ken Tobin (Tralee Chamber Alliance) with Garda Sgt Tim O’Keeffe and (seated) David Scott (Tralee Chamber Alliance), Mayor of Tralee Graham Spring and Brian Stephenson at the launch of the new ‘See Something Say Something’ text alert service.