Gardai and business people in Athlone are working together to prevent crime locally as part of a new initiative called Business Match.
Over the last 12 months the Community Policing Unit in Athlone Garda Station has been looking at ways to assist businesses in Athlone. In conjunction with the business community, Gardaí in Athlone have initiated a Business Watch programme, which was launched on Wednesday this week.
Business Watch is a crime prevention programme, whereby An Garda Síochána and the business community join together to prevent crimes being committed against the business community. The idea is that the Gardaí work closely with the business community, both management and staff, who can play a vital role in crime prevention and detection.
One of the first initiatives in the Business Watch programme is a text alert to businesses, whereby gardaí will be able to notify businesses of information which may assist them in preventing crime. The businesses who have signed up will be able to text Gardaí to exchange information on crime-related matters, and in turn Gardaí can keep all businesses informed in an efficient and timely way.
The initiative is a link that will join all the town’s businesses together. Relevant information will be shared in a strictly confidential manner. The initiative, which has just been launched, will continue to expand in 2012.
In addition to crime prevention information, Gardaí will also inform the business community of other incidents of interest to the Athlone community. The text alert system has been designed specifically for the Athlone community and will prevent crimes against the business community, and in turn help An Garda Síochána deliver a better service.
Athlone Gardaí are inviting all businesses to get involved by simply providing their contact details to Athlone Gardaí on (090 ) 6498550 or email [email protected].
