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| New policing unit provides relief for Arklow residents |
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A new policing unit has been established at Arklow Garda Station to promote better crime prevention within the community and an increased sense of security among residents.
Led by Sgt. Vincent Byrne the scheme introduces Garda Therese Kelly and Garda Paul Hayes as the new community members with responsibility for the South and North of the town respectively.
For the past couple of months Garda Kelly and Garda Hayes have been knocking on doors, approaching businesses and meeting with residential and community groups who are keen to establish neighbourhood watch schemes.
"We have been asking people to get in touch if they would like to set up a scheme in their area. We are more than happy to meet with them and offer advice and support on where to start. Even if they have missed a preliminary meeting they can pick up, from the next one and get involved, explains Garda Kelly.
The Community Policing Initiative aims to revert back to an old style of policing where people knew their local Garda and feel they can approach them.
Having a specific Garda for each side of the town means that people will get to deal with the same person and form a relationship of trust where they can share their concerns in confidence.
Both Garda Kelly and Garda Hayes passed a rigorous interview process to get their places in the new unit and are dedicated to making a difference from grass roots level.
They have both been stationed in Arklow for a number of years which means they are already well equipped with local knowledge and plan to put it to the best use.
They plan to offer victim support, neighbourhood watch structure, personal safety advice and wider information services.
"We are hoping the community will be our eyes and ears. In time we will hope to have some area coordinators who can come to us on behalf of their neighbourhood and discuss any matters of interest.
If they feel anti-social behaviour is becoming a problem we will patrol the area to ensure it dies not continue. In order to make this happen we need the support of the public and for them to call us straight away if an incident occurs," says Garda Hayes.
As the initiative expands a number of community liaison Gardai will assist the new unit and will alternate on a rota basis.
"The liaison members will change from time to time but Garda Kelly and I will be involved permanently as we want people to be able to deal with the same person on a regular basis," adds Garda Hayes.
It’s not just residential areas which will benefit from the initiative as Business Watch has shown.
A meeting has already taken place in Arklow with in excess of 50 local businesses represented.
"We want to make people aware of all sorts of crime and how it can be prevented. With the support of the residential community, local voluntary groups and businesses we hope the initiative will be a very successful one," concludes the team.
To contact Garda Kelly and Garda Hayes please call Arklow Garda Station at 0402 32304. |
