Over 100 people attended a crime prevention presentation last Monday night in the Garrycastle GAA Clubhouse. Organiser of the event Cllr Frankie Keena said that he was thrilled with the large turnout who represented the following areas: Blyry, Moydrum, Woodville, The Orchards, Altown, Garrycastle, Garnafailagh, Tully, Fossagh, Baylin, and Cornamagh.
Guest speaker was Sgt John Connolly, crime prevention officer for the division and also present was Garda Tom Neary, of the community policing unit
In welcoming all present Cllr Keena got proceedings under way by speaking about the increase in house burglaries that have unfortunately taken place in the surrounding Athlone areas over the recent past and also the fact that due to the recession some people may turn to crime to source money, so there is a need to be more vigilant than ever, he stressed.
He thanked the Blyry/Moydrum Neighbourhood Watch committee for all their help and support in carrying out leaflet drops for the event, and also the Garrycastle GAA Club for the use of their facilities.
Sgt John Connolly gave an excellent presentation on securing your home to prevent crime, covering such areas as the installation of appropriate locks on doors, closing all windows no matter how small when the house is vacant, and being conscious of keeping garden tools and ladders out of sight and reach.
He encouraged those present to think about setting up Community Watch Groups within their areas and offered the assistance of the Gardai in any way possible.
In conclusion, Cllr Keena thanked Sgt Connolly, Garda Neary and everyone for their attendance and confirmed that key people in the areas present will be contacted to encourage the setting up of Community Watch Groups.
