The theme of the week is ‘Older People in the Community’
The Garda Commissioner, Mr Fachtna Murphy, has designated this week as Garda Community Safety Week
For An Garda Síochána, the delivery of concerted organisational Community Safety initiatives will bring palpable strategic benefits in Crime Reduction, Public re-assurance and confidence in our service. This Garda Community Safety Week Campaign also supports key Strategic Goals, contained in the Garda Síochána Corporate Strategy Plan 2007 - 2009.
The primary objective of this Garda Community Safety Week will be to remind and impress upon the wider public, the importance of being aware of how simple and yet effective, crime prevention can be in reducing the incidents of crime. The main focus of the week will be in the following areas: Burglary, Theft from cars, Theft from shops and Bicycle Theft.
The theme of the week is ‘Older People in the Community’
The purpose of the theme is to focus on the positive contribution of older people in society and in particular through their involvement in the various community partnerships and crime prevention initiatives operated in partnership with An Garda Síochána. While at the same time recognising that older people can be targeted by certain types of criminals however the impact of this can be reduced if crime prevention advice is taken on board.
This Campaign will be supported and reinforced, by a number of activities throughout Ireland during this week, including:
# A Garda ‘Information Point’ Stand at the National Ploughing Championships at Athy, Co Kildare from 23rd – 25th September.
# A number of strategic nationwide ‘High Visibility’ Policing initiatives involving the Garda Traffic Units, Garda Mounted Unit, Crime Prevention Officers and the new Garda Mobile Incident Command Units.
# The hosting of initiatives, to foster and sustain positive Garda / Community partnerships with various groups in society, including School Children, Intercultural groups and Older Persons.
# The hosting of a number of local radio broadcasts comprising a Garda Management on Crime Prevention and Community Safety advice.
# The hosting of Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch meetings during Community Safety Week
# Circulation of Crime Prevention and Community Safety Advice Leaflets to the public in several forums, including Public Libraries and the Garda Website.
This initiative is being co-ordinated by the Garda Community Relations & Community Policing Division, Harcourt Square, Dublin 2. Further information will be available from the Garda Website at www.garda.ie
Garda Press Office
15.05hrs 17/9/09
