On the Alert in Quin

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 locally at least once a week and wished to have more mobile patrols.

Concern was also raised about crime in the area. Garda Mangan said, in 2012, seven burglaries were committed in Quin, rising to eight in 2013 and, to date this year, there have been 10 burglaries. Members of the public felt this is a worrying trend and believe that the closure of the garda station and lack of a garda in the village is contributing to this increase.

Sergeant Joe Downey commented that, statistically, Quin is considered to be “a low crime area”.

Addressing concern about anti-social behaviour, Sergeant Downey encouraged people to contact the gardaí when they see this occurring, adding that, “Quin doesn’t have any more antisocial behaviour than any other village”.

Ger O’Halloran has been selected to chair the new Quin Community Alert Group