Garda text alert scheme for more Northside areas

THE Garda text alert system that was piloted in Santry and Beaumont last year is to be rolled out in Ballymun and Glasnevin over the coming weeks.

Under the system Gardaí send texts warning of suspected criminal activity in an area to an appointed member of the community, who then forwards it on to neighbours.

It can be used to alert a community of behaviour such as suspicious individuals hanging around or knocking door-to-door.

A text is sent out to a community contact when a member of the public reports an incident that’s verified by Gardaí and deemed to be a possible threat to the public.

The contact then forwards the alert to neighbours signed up to the Garda scheme. Communities wishing to have the scheme implemented in their area need to establish a group and contact their local Garda station.

The scheme was officially launched in September 2013 and so far over a million text alerts have been sent out to more than 100,000 people nationwide.

Local councillor Noel Rock (FG) said he was

“delighted

? that text alerts are to be rolled out in Ballymun and Glasnevin.

“As a Peace Commissioner, I constantly liaise with local Gardaí on a variety of issues and have been pushing for an expansion of crime prevention text alerts for over a year now,

? he said.

“It is my understanding that it is now open for residents to apply right across the Ballymun and Glasnevin areas and that, if they wish to do so, residents can email [email protected] or ring Community Garda Anita on 01-6664420 to sign up.

?

Local urban text alert schemes were originally piloted in Santry and Beaumont. Cllr Rock said his own local residents’ association had established one.

“I know their value first hand,

? he added.

“I hope that this will contribute to diminish crime locally, as I fully believe we need to be vigilant, tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime locally.

?

Ballymun councillor Noeleen Reilly (SF) described the text alert scheme as a

“modern day approach to crime prevention

?.

“More often than not burglaries can occur in clusters, so If a member of the public contacts the Gardaí about a particular incident, this information will then be verified and an email or text sent out for further circulation,

? she said.

“Every week I am contacted by someone who has had their property broken into. It is one of the most intrusive things than can happen to a person.

“I think the operation of the text alert scheme will certainly make people feel safer in their home.

?