Mayo Aontu candidate chairs crime prevention meeting in Kilkelly
In response to escalating concerns over crime rates in rural Ireland, particularly in east Mayo, Aontu local election candidate Tommy Horan took the helm in chairing a crime prevention meeting in Kilkelly last week.
Organised by the Kilmovee Family Resource Centre and Bernadette Moran, the meeting brought together concerned citizens and experts to discuss strategies for tackling the surge in criminal activities affecting local communities.
The event, held at the new community centre in Kilkelly, featured a line-up of speakers specialised in the realm of crime prevention, including a local garda sergeant from Swinford, Regina Carley overseeing the alert program, community garda Karen Weymouth, and crime prevention officer Sean Cunnane. Each speaker adeptly addressed common crime-related issues such as burglary and theft and provided practical guidance on how residents can safeguard themselves against emerging threats.
Among the topics discussed were the prevalence of computer scams, door-to-door scams, and home invasions. Attendees were urged to utilise pendant alarms, exterior lighting, and sensor lights to enhance home security, particularly beneficial for the elderly and vulnerable members of the community.
Karen Weymouth introduced the "message in a bottle" initiative, advocating for households to maintain a list of medications in their refrigerators. This measure aims to aid paramedics in providing timely assistance during medical emergencies.
Regina Carley highlighted the effectiveness of text alert and community alert programs in fostering community cohesion and reporting suspicious activities.
Tommy Horan, as chair recognised the invaluable contributions of outgoing members of the Kilkelly community alert group, Francis Henry and Pete Costelloe, who were honoured for their dedicated service to the community. Horan accepted the responsibility of chairing the newly expanded community alert group, encompassing Kilkelly, Kilmovee, and Urlar/Gleann areas, reaffirming his commitment to community safety.
Horan highlighted the urgent need for increased government support and resources for law enforcement agencies, acknowledging the strain faced by the Gardaí in combating crime effectively in rural areas. He urged government officials and councillors to prioritise the allocation of additional personnel and resources to address the pressing security concerns in the region.