After a spate of burglaries in Athlone in the recent past, Sinn Féin councillor Paul Hogan has called on people, particularly the elderly, to contact Helplink South, Age Action, or any other organisation that can assist to ensure their home is protected and secure.
Cllr Hogan said, “I am aware a number of burglaries occurred in the recent past in Athlone and at least one of these was an aggravated burglary. It is imperative that everyone, particularly our senior citizens, ensure their home is protected and secure.
According to Cllr Hogan Helplink South is located at Ball Alley Lane adjacent to Parnell Square, Athlone. It is a non-profit making organisation with charitable status providing socially monitored alarms to the elderly, disabled, or anyone living alone. They aim to restore confidence, independence, and peace of mind, and encourage people to remain in their own homes and be a member of their own community.
They provide a 24 hour service seven days a week, 365 days a year. They supply, install, and maintain the socially monitored alarm and pendant. Simply by pressing the pendant which is worn around the client’s neck or on their wrist, within seconds they are in contact with the monitoring station, whose team of professional caring operators will be able to make voice-to-voice contact, enabling them to reassure or send for whatever help is needed. Over 65s are eligible to apply for a grant to acquire a pendant alarm.
“It is imperative people are aware there are organisations in Athlone who can assist in ensuring that you and your home are protected from intruders. Small measures such as installing security locks and chains, increasing visibility by providing additional lighting around the property, and acquiring a pendant alarm all act as a deterrent, and can go a long way to protecting your home.
“I wish to emphasise the importance of these measures and appeal to people to contact me on (087 ) 9054960 to obtain additional information in relation to this scheme,” concluded Cllr Hogan.
