Crime a major issue on Dublin West doorsteps, says local TD

A FIANNA Fáil TD has claimed that communities in Dublin West are scared going to bed at night.

 Deputy Jack Chambers made his comments following the escalation of gangland violence and a spate of burglaries in the Dublin 15 area.

He said: “Crime and security is one of the biggest issues coming up on the doorsteps. Families are living in fear because of the increase in crime. 

“Households across Dublin West are installing new security measures in their homes, like CCTV cameras and additional locks, and many simply do not feel safe in their own homes.

“Fine Gael has undermined the link between the gardaí and the communities they serve by leaving Garda stations liked Blanchardstown stretched and under resourced where people don’t feel safe in their homes.”

He added: “I have been raising the concerns and fears of the public with gardaí. Additional high-visibility patrols and plain-clothes gardaí have now been put in place in the areas affected, and information is also going out to residents on how to make their homes more safe and secure. 

“However, we need more long-term thinking to properly address these issues, rather than responding with these short-term emergency measures.

“What is needed is a structured approach and to see the number of gardaí increased to 16,000.”