Crime rising, Text Alert must stay

Criminal activity is on the rise again after a reduction during the pandemic, last night's meeting about Text Alert heard, writes Brian Byrne.

Gda Jon Brien was emphasising the importance of the alert system as a 'superb tool' for keeping in touch with the community.

The meeting had been called by the three people who have managed the system for ten years, to see if there was a possibility of keeping it going. Sabina Reddy, chair of the committee, had warned that 'it would fail' if new people didn't come forward to run it.

She said she had been disappointed that no new volunteers had responded to earlier appeals, adding that there was 'very little' work involved.

The meeting heard that none of the homes which subscribed to the system had left the scheme down the years. As well as being important to deter criminals, it had also been very helpful in reuniting strayed pets with their owners. In addition, it is a portal through which those who need personal alarms and carbon monoxide monitors can apply for them.

Jon Brien said over the two years of the pandemic the system had mainly been used in community support, but it was again needed to prevent crime as criminals have resumed their burglary activities, mainly travelling out of Dublin.

After a discussion where all issues were well trashed out, enough names were put forward to set up a new committee.

An AGM will be held to formalise the changeover. 

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