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THE “text alert” system in practice in communities across Kerry has been key to apprehending a number of suspects for burglary in the Killarney area, a meeting in Fossa heard last night.

Crime prevention and reduction was the focus of a very well attended event, held at the Innisfallen Hotel. Speakers at the annual district Community Alert meeting were Superintendent Flor Murphy, Inspector Niall Crowley, Crime prevention officer Sergeant Jim Foley and Diarmuid Cronin of Muintir na Tire.

The meeting was attended by representatives and liaison Gardaí from each of the Community Alert groups in Killarney, as well as those from South, East and Mid Kerry.

Supt Murphy emphasised that Community Alert was partnership approach between the community and An Garda Siochána. “It works on the principle of shared responsibility for crime prevention and reduction,” said Supt Murphy who highlighted the recent success of “Text Alert” in the apprehension of a number of suspects for burglary in the Killarney area.

The Killarney garda superintendent acknowledged the role played by the Community Alert groups in Beaufort and Glencar in assisting Gardaí in the apprehension of the suspects for the Waterville Post Office robbery last August. Sgt Jim Foley encouraged homeowners to install an intruder alarm and not to keep cash in their homes.

Diarmuid Cronin of Muintir na Tire provided representatives with property registrations books to record serial numbers of expensive items such as power tools, trailers, bicycles etc. He encouraged people to photograph their valuable items and to note the serial numbers to enable Gardaí to identify stolen property and return it to its rightful owners. These books are available from Community Alert representatives for €5 which in turn helps to finance “Text Alert” and alarms for the vulnerable within the community.

Inspector Niall Crowley facilitated a questions and answers session after the presentations. He encouraged people to report any suspicious activity within their communities to the Gardaí reminding those in attendance that An Garda Siochána was a 24/7 service. Inspector Crowley also encouraged people to visit the Garda website www.garda.ie for crime prevention advice.
 

 
Above: Gardai and local residents groups at the Killarney District Community Alert meeting in the Innisfallen Hotel, Fossa. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH