Tag Archives: joe downey

Gardaí in the Clare Division are actively engaged in the month-long ‘Streetwise’ campaign, which is designed to promote personal safety advice. According to Clare crime prevention officer, Sergeant Joe Downey, this initiative, which is also being promoted at national level, aims to further reduce thefts, robberies and assaults through crime prevention, law enforcement, education and awareness. The campaign focuses on three main segments – planning a night out; protection of mobile phone thefts, which accounts for 65% of thefts and robberies and staying safe from assaults. Sergeant Downey said that particular emphasis will be placed on communicating to the general public a strong personal safety message in advance of and after St Patrick’s Day celebrations. “Our aim will be high-visibility patrolling, crime prevention and engaging with the public, and raising their awareness on methods to prevent such crimes, as thefts and assaults,” he added. Sergeant Downey said people planning a night out should make transport arrangements in advance to get …

GARDAÍ are advising the public to be vigilant in the wake of a recent student accommodation scam, which is being investigated. Crime prevention officer Sergeant Joe Downey highlighted a recent scam that has come to light, whereby rented accommodation is advertised on well-known internet sites targeting third level students. He explained the scam is primarily operating in areas where accommodation is available close to universities and other third level institutions. “A deposit is sought in advance and the advertiser indicates that the keys will be sent in advance, on receipt of the deposit, by a reputable delivery company. “In the students’ eagerness to secure the rented accommodation, they forward the deposit without seeing the property or meeting the landlord,” Sergeant Downey outlined. He said that when the money has cleared, no keys are sent and no further contact is made, with a resulting loss to the student.

THE people of Quin have decided to set up a Community Alert for the village and its surrounds, following a public meeting held this week. Organised by Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy, the information meeting discussed crime in the area, crime prevention and issues around anti-social behaviour. A large gathering attended Quin Community Centre on Monday night, where presentations were given by Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Joe Downey, Peter Butler of Task Community Care, deputising for Bernard Kearney of Muintir na Tíre and Quin liaison garda, Caitríona Mangan. Mr Butler spoke about the benefits of personal alarms for older people in the community, while Sergeant Downey gave a presentation on crime prevention measures that homeowners can take to secure their properties. Questions were taken from the floor and the primary issue raised was the desire to re-open Quin garda station. If this is not possible, the community want an increased garda presence. The gathering was anxious to have a garda stationed …

Gardaí in Ennis are investigating an assault on a woman in which paint was sprayed into her face. The incident occurred on Tuesday September 30 last at approximately 9.25am, while the injured party was out walking at Aughanteeroe on the Gort Road, Ennis with some members of her family. She was approached by two other females and one of them sprayed red paint into her face. They then fled the scene. Gardaí in Ennis are appealing for witnesses to this crime, and anyone with information is asked to contact them. Separately,  in Ennis gardaí are investigating after windows in the glass houses at the Dulick centre on the Gort Road were broken by rocks. The centre, which is used by people with intellectual and physical disabilities, was targeted between 4pm on Friday September 26 and 9.30am on Monday September 29. Gardaí are treating the incident as criminal damage and are appealing for information for assistance. Further to these incidents Ennis …

GARDAÍ are appealing for information in relation to a number of crimes which have taken place in the county in the past number of weeks. In Kilmaley witnesses are being sought after the Kilmaley Inagh Water Treatment Plant was broken into between 6pm on Sunday, August 31 and 8.30am on Monday, September 1 last. The water treatment plant is located at Lisroe and entry was gained by forcing in the front door. Thieves made off with a Grey Pedrello water pump, two yellow 20 foot Toby hoses, a shovel, and a red M6 power washer model Max 11 litres. Also in Kilmaley, gardaí are investigating after a number of items of property were stolen from a shed at Knaockadangan. This incident occurred between 9.30am and 11am on Monday, September 1. A rubber material bridle, pinchers, and a black saddle with brown girth and stirrups were stolen. Meanwhile, in Sixmilebridge a house in the Cluain Droichead estate was burgled between 1.30am …

GARDAÍ in the county have noted a sizable spike in the theft of catalytic converters from cars, with five stolen at different locations in one day alone. Catalytic converters are a part on the exhaust system which helps reduce the pollutants in emissions. To have this item replaced costs in the region of €1,500 and gardaí are advising the public to take precautions where possible. Speaking to The Clare Champion, Clare Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Joe Downey said, “There is an increase in these thefts and people need to be more alert. There were five catalytic converters stolen this past Tuesday, three in Shannon and two in Ennis”. He explained to steal these parts, the thief crawls under the vehicle and simply cuts it out. It only takes approximately two minutes. Sergeant Downey said those who have fallen victim to this crime will know, as when they start their car the exhaust system will be must noisier. “They cost €1,500 …