Claim that victims fearful of reporting incidents to Gardai
THOSE experiencing intimidation and threatening behaviour in Askeaton, are being asked to report all incidents to the police in order to tackle ongoing issues there.
Councillor Kevin Sheahan, who is from the area, told this newspaper: “The feeling in the town is that intimidation of residents has gone too far and can no longer be tolerated”.
He added: “I would like to use the medium of the Limerick Post to address the people and urge them to immediately report any incidents of anti-social behaviour they may have experienced, so this situation can be combated”.
He added that anyone who was fearful of contacting the guards directly, could have a statement written up in the presence of a solicitor and sent in.
“A small section of the community are causing undue concern to the vast majority with their behaviour”, said the councillor. “I was amazed at how evident the effects of this were when I was canvassing for the local elections.
“I have been in constant contact with Supt. Joe Roe in Askeaton, and he is being most co-operative. A joint effort between the community and the gardaí is necessary to combat the situation, as officials hands are tied if incidents go unreported”.
The councillor explained that many assaults on individuals and attacks on homes were occurring in the town on a regular basis, particularly on Saturday nights.
He added that victims were fearful of reporting incidents to gardaí, in case they became further targeted by offenders, claiming that rural residents no longer had any relationship with gardaí.
“My firm view is that locals in rural towns and villages no longer have a relationship with guards that they once would have had. They don’t feel familiar or confident enough in them to confide in. I would urge Supt. Roe to work on developing these relations within the community”.
Addressing the council’s role, he concluded: “I have spoken to senior council officials about this issue, and they are adamant that if witnesses come forward and make statements, they will take the matter in hand and bring perpetrators to court. But the real issue is getting people to report all incidents, otherwise the council too are powerless”.
He raised the issue again at this month’s meeting of the Joint Policing Committee, with a view to acquiring an increased Garda presence in Askeaton, primarily on Saturday nights. However, was informed that no resources were available.
