Munster Express Online

Kieran Walsh reports

Crime rates in the Tramore area drew over 100 concerned residents to the Michael McGrath GAA Centre on Wednesday night last to formulate a community driven approach to tackle the worrying spike in burglaries.
The meeting was organised by the Tramore Anti Crime Task Group, and attended by Garda Alan Stafford, who is responsible for Community Policing and Neighbourhood Watch in the Tramore area.
Different areas of the town have been affected by crime of late, from Tramore Heights to Sweetbriar, Kennedy Park, to Marine Drive and Riverstown – all of which were mentioned at the meeting.
Resident Catherine Thompson, a victim of a recent burglary, spoke of how her life had made a ‘180 degree turn’ for the worse since her devastating home invasion. “My world has been turned on its head. I feel nervous and intimidated in my own home,’ she said.
Walter O’Keeffe and Lisa Moran, whose mother suffered a burglary on December 23rd during which Christmas gifts were stolen, were among those who organised the meeting.
Said Lisa: “The thieves were mainly after money and jewellery and even some bulky items were taken. I reckon it’s time we all had to get a little nosier when it comes to safeguarding our neighbours and the elderly in our community, some of whom are now living in fear.”

Speaking at the meeting, Green Party general election candidate Grace O’Sullivan said it was imperative that “our friends and neighbours to feel safe and secure within their own four walls”.
She added: “The worrying crime escalation is something which needs our combined focus, and will certainly be one of my core issues going into the general election and beyond. Adequate policing, supports for Neighbourhood Watch efforts, and a demand that those who engage in this type of crime are met with the full rigour of the judicial process is imperative.”
Speaking at the meeting Sgt Alan Stafford said that local Gardaí are fully focused on tackling the problem, were anxious to apprehend the perpetrators and were “available 24/7 to Tramore residents who need their assistance and support”.
Regeneration of the 16 Neighbourhood Watch groups in the Tramore area, and the establishment of ‘round robin’ text alerts to the community when ‘suspicious behaviour’ is noted in areas were all ideas explored during the meeting.
When asked about what could be done in the event of a citizen’s arrest or if a burglar was restrained during an attempted crime, Sgt Stafford advised the use of proportional force, followed by a call to your local Garda Station.
The drugs issue was cited by one burgled resident from the floor, with another querying the prospect of a curfew, which Sgt Stafford said could only be implemented by a judge in the event of a successful prosecution of any such case.
David Flynn from DFS Security and locksmith Tony Fitzpatrick were also available at the meeting to advise homeowners on personal security measures people could use in their homes.
Waterford Metropolitan Mayor Eamon Quinlan (FF) asked if Gardaí had enough resources, while it was also stated that in this election season, with more strangers in areas canvassing, criminals could use this period to commit more crime.
Cllr Jim Griffin (SF) mentioned that in Ferrybank, it’s been reported that bogus callers were going to houses with flyers to see if they were occupied and warned of this potential problem spreading into other areas.

Information sheets about personal and home security were also made available on the night and can be attained from local Gardaí.
Also in attendance were Cllrs Joe Conway, Blaise Hannigan and Joe Kelly (all Ind) and general election candidate Una Dunphy (PBP), with Cllr Kelly calling for an end to the “revolving door syndrome”, be it court or prison. Committing crime on bail also remain a problem, the meeting was told.
If you see a crime or anything suspicious in your locality, contact Tramore Gardaí (open 24 hours a day) on 051-391620 and for more from Tramore Anti-Crime Watch, contact Walter O’Keeffe on 087-6924657 or email tramorecrime@gmail.com