Community Alert action improves life for residents
GARDA representatives heaped praise on Aubane Community Alert for their pro-active work, saying that the crime levels are low in the area because the community has stood together.
Aubane is part of the Macroom Garda division and incorporates rural areas either side of the county bounds, and continues to witness a notable decrease in crime and burglaries.
Covering a wide catchment area, it includes stations at Ballydesmond, Millstreet, Boherbue and Rathmore in the Western part of Duhallow and East Kerry. However communities such as Aubane near Millstreet aren’t getting carried Alert groups, community away with the statistics and gardai on meeting people and have developed on a Community hearing their concerns,” he Alert initiative with the said. introduction of a Text Alert “One area of concern is Service. licensed firearms - a firearm
At a public meeting, Inspector license must be renewed Brian Murphy spoke of noted when it expires; at times they reductions in both crime and seem to lapse”. burglaries in one of the largest Millstreet Sergeant Paul divisions in the country with Lynch said quick contact the Text Alert Service viewed to Gardaí when suspicious as a partnership approach to activity occurs is vital in combat crime. apprehending criminals. He
“Crime is down for Millstreet commending the Aubane station, 89 incidents community for taking ownership recorded this year to date; of the text alert system. burglaries here in Aubane are “Rural areas cannot become almost zero, that’s re-assuring. complacent for criminals are It’s a tribute to Community looking for targets, be always vigilant,” he said.
Community Garda John Crowley offered timely advice to motorists, pedestrians and dwellers. “At winter time, for those behind a vehicle, it’s important to put on dipped headlights. Also, check tyre depths as it takes that extra distance to stop in wet conditions. Deaths on the roads for 2016 are up, that spike is far too many; if out socially, have a designated driver”, he said.
“For pedestrians, on these dark nights its important to wear hi-viz and arm bands. Elsewhere, keep a look out for elderly neighbours, those living alone and alert Gardai of unusual activity”.
Secretary of Aubane Community Alert John Kelleher spoke of a welcome feedback to Aubane Community Alert; its Text Service becoming ever popular with upwards of 100 subscribers that is reducing opportunities for burglaries and create an awareness campaign on security in the home.
“At this time of the year, houses are a target for crime and the Garda initiative Thor offers sound advice. Aubane is one of the top Community Alerts within the Macroon district, and it’s ever so important to safeguard our rural area”, he said.