Gardaí report busy weekend, rise in non-essential travel
GARDAÍ in Sligo saw an increase in non-essential travel over the weekend and also reported a busy weekend in terms of crime.
Incidents included cars being broken into in the Sligo and Ballymote areas and a man is due to appear in Letterkenny District Court in relation to same.
Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken said compliance and co-operation in adhering to the Government Covid-19 restrictions has been excellent and thanked the communities across Sligo and Leitrim for their valued co-operation so far.
He said: “We want that to continue. We must restrict our movements and eliminate unnecessary travel to protect our communities.
“However over the weekend, Gardaí have seen an increase on non-essential travel. A lot of people need to give extra thought to their non-essential travel and support their neighbours and the vulnerable.”
He said the local community will continue to see Garda presence, extra policing patrols and checkpoints this week.
“An Garda Síochána will continue to encourage, engage with the public and enforce the law.
“We are also working handin-hand with many partner agencies to keep people safe.
There were a number of incidents gardaí had to deal with during what he described was a busy weekend.
“Over the weekend, Gardaí have been busy with crime incidents in particular individuals who are committing crime,
“An example includes three detections for drugs offences in Sligo and Leitrim, along with the detection of a burglary in progress with one male charged to Carrick-on-Shannon Court.
“There were a number of cars broken into in the Sligo and Ballymote areas. The thefts were from MPVs and there was one male charged in Letterkenny District Court yesterday.”
The Chief Superintendent also outlined that there were a number of detections on breaches of Covid regulations too during the weekend.
He said there were also a number of drink and drug driving related offences detected over the weekend.
In terms of domestic violence incidents he said victims should reach out to gardaí for support and advice. “Gardaí are very aware and conscious of domestic related incidents, our ask is that victims reach out to An Garda Síochána who can provide support and advice on support groups that are available in their area.
“Be assured that I have plans in place so that your Gardaí will continue to prevent and detect crime and work tirelessly to keep your communities safe.
“Your co-operation with An Garda Síochána in enforcing these guidelines is very much appreciated and is an example of the trust you place in us, as guardians of the peace.
“More importantly it is a true reflection of the respect that you hold for your loved ones, friends and neighbours. Collectively, as we face this pandemic we need to continue to work together as a community.
“Please be generous to your neighbours by practicing social distancing, use the 2km request at all times. Stay in your primary homes, and avoid contact with other people, and exercise within the 2km from your home. I wish to take this opportunity to thank you the public for your continued support and co-operation at this time. We are in this together and it’s working, please don’t stop now! Please contact us if you need our help,” he added.