“While increased crime may be a product of recession, it must be incisively dealt with and necessary measures put into place to safeguard workers and businesses.”
Longford/Westmeath Fine Gael Deputy James Bannon said this week that he condemns the attack on the petrol station in Mullingar which took place on Wednesday, in the strongest terms possible.
“The increase of violent crime in Westmeath is a source of great concern. It is unthinkable that an employee who is going about his regular business can be threatened by a gang of five men, armed and intimidating.
“I am calling on the Minister for Justice and Law Reform to ensure that there is an ample Garda presence in rural areas to discourage such violent robbery, which is becoming an ever increasing feature of local areas in the Midlands. I fully support the right of businesses and their employees to engage in their day-to-day activities without fear or intimidation.
“The worker concerned and his family have been subjected to a level of shock and upset and that falls far outside the norms of employment.
“I would like to offer the individual concerned a speedy recovery.”
