by Alan Jacques
GARDAÍ have told local councillors in Adare-Rathkeale municipal district that a plan is in place to deal with the high level of agricultural burglaries in rural areas of the county.
Speaking at this Tuesday’s monthly council meeting, the Garda Superintendent for Newcastle West district, Tom O’Connor, said that while crime figures for West Limerick were down in the last 12 months, thefts were on the rise.
“We have a plan in place to take these thieves out,” said Supt O’Connor.
According to Gardaí, items such as diesel, oil and machinery were being targeted during burglaries in County Limerick. Supt O’Connor said relatives of Limerick criminals, based locally, were being linked to the crimes.
Fianna Fáil councillor Richard O’Donoghue told the Garda superintendent that the Croom, Ballingarry and Manister side of the district needed extra policing due to a recent spate of robberies.
“A mini digger and 16 tonnes of coal were stolen from the creamery in Ballingarry,” said Cllr O’Donoghue.
Sergeant Niall Flood from Newcastle West District Garda Station told Cllr O’Donoghue that a Garda crime prevention officer had since visited the creamery in Ballingarry. He also advised local businesses to be more security conscious and suggested they instal CCTV cameras.
“People are nervous. A woman in Abbeyfeale was at home with her son during the day recently and looked out her window to see two men walking up the yard with a hammer,” said Sinn Fein councillor Ciara McMahon.
“Robberies are on the increase,” she added.
However, Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary believes that people need to be more conscious of their own personal security.
“While canvassing for the local election last year, I could have walked straight into 40 per cent of the houses or driven away in their cars as the keys were still in the doors,” claimed Cllr Keary.
“People need to mind their items. More awareness is needed,” he insisted.
Supt Tom O’Connor pointed out that the Newcastle West district covered 121 square miles and is the same size as County Monaghan.
“We are working within our resources and we have not abandoned anyone,” he said.
