'Call Garda promptly if concerned' - meeting

Sgt Tom O'Donoghue and Kilcullen Garda Station.

The importance of timely communication with the Guards if anyone notices something unusual was emphasised at Monday's Safety Meeting in Kilcullen Parish Centre, writes Brian Byrne. Not making a prompt call can reduce the likelihood of a matter being successfully followed up.

"In a community, you have to be looking out for each other," Sgt Tom O'Donoghue said. "People have contacted me two or three days later about something they saw, saying they didn't want to bother me at the time. But then it's gone; it's too late at that stage to have the chance of intercepting anybody who's doing something."

He also encouraged people to report home or business alarms that are triggered, and that those with alarms have an arrangement with a neighbour to call if they're away from home. "We're very happy to check these things out; we do it regularly," he said and added that it is particularly important for people living out in the country to have somebody to ring.

Those at the meeting were also encouraged to report any concerns about neighbours who might be at risk. "If we know, we can do a quick visit and give them some advice that might be of benefit."

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer said that people often notice things that are concerning, or hear something in conversation that might be a welfare issue, and it is essential to let the Guards or the Council know, so that they can be followed up. Gda Jim Lacey, who has been nominated for the role of Community Garda for the area, confirmed the welfare aspect of the work. "If somebody knows of someone who might need some help, by all means call us and we will follow it up."

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