Crime prevention in Mount Merrion

MOUNT Merrion Residents’ Association is taking a proactive approach to crime prevention in the community.

Over the past year, the residents have held meetings with community gardaí and representatives of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in a bid to curb criminal activity in the area.

According to the residents’ group, the most prevalent types of crime include burglaries – particularly in elderly households – as well as handbag snatching and robberies of jewellery or cash.

Break-ins have been occurring during the day, evening and early night, according to the association.

Cars have also been stolen, often through the process of

‘fishing’ keys through letterboxes.

There have been reports of senior citizens feeling intimidated or bullied by bogus tradesmen, as well as unauthorised collectors and ticket sellers purporting to represent fictitious clubs, charities or schools.

Worryingly, there have been incidents of youngsters being mugged for their smartphones or iPads.

Two women reported that they were followed home after banking or shopping.

However, Mount Merrion residents are fighting back. Community alert signs have now been erected at all 11 entrances to the Mount Merrion Demesne and residents are being provided with replica door/window stickers and Garda approved advice cards.

The scheme was recently launched by Cllr Barry Saul.

Des Smyth, president of Mount Merrion Residents’ Association, said they would be stressing the need to be alert and look out for elderly neighbours.