Unreported crime is hitting towns and villages
'You will not be wasting garda time. You will not be seen as a busybody'
UNDER-REPORTING of crime is having a serious impact on Co Carlow’s towns and villages, affecting community safety with dire consequences for garda staffing levels.
That’s the view of cllr Brian O’Donoghue following a meeting with garda representatives in Tullow last Thursday.
“Having met with garda representatives in Tullow yesterday, it has never been more clear to my colleagues and I that the under-reporting of crime is having an impact on our towns and villages, on the safety of our communities and also on garda numbers,” said the Fine Gael councillor.
“If you witness a crime, no matter how small, pick up the phone and dial 999 or 112. Or if you need to report a crime anonymously, call the garda confidential line on 1800 666111,” advised cllr O’Donoghue.
Cllr O’Donoghue pointed out that Co Carlow needs more gardaí in our communities and “one of the things that will help us to get more gardaí is if the true level of crime is reported.
“You will not be wasting garda time. You will not be seen as a busybody; you will be helping to keep your community safe,” he said.
Cllr O’Donoghue stated that crimes like theft, dangerous driving, drug use, drug dealing, assault (no matter how minor) and suspicious activity should be reported to local garda stations to allow greater clarity about the true scale of incidents occurring in our communities.
Superintendent Anthony Farrell confirmed that non-reporting of incidents to An Garda Síochána presents “not only a challenge that as a policing service that we are not aware of incidents but also that we are unsighted in terms of what is taking place in communities”.
“This by itself is creating an extra demand on service, especially in terms of garda investigations. I urge all people, especially victims of crime, to report all incidents of crime to their local garda station,” he said.
“Alternatively, Carlow Garda Station is a 24-hour service, 059 9136620. The Garda Confidential Line allows people to provide confidential information about criminal activities and other matters to An Garda Síochána on 1800 666111, and indeed 999 or 112 is available for all emergencies.”
He added that incidents and seriousness of crime combined with demands on a policing service are key considerations in sourcing extra gardaí to the county.
“I would like to acknowledge the work of all members in An Garda Síochána throughout Co Carlow who give so much to keeping people safe. In this, I also thank all our communities for their ongoing support. Together we are stronger,” said Supt Farrell.
He added that it was also important to say that, in terms of resourcing, An Garda Síochána in Carlow are meeting demands for service, and all calls being attended within a reasonable time.
