Re: Neighbourhood Watch meeting (Sat 12:30, Sandyford Community centre)
Date: February 28, 2009 12:00AM |
Unfortunately I was unable to make it to the meeting. However, I don’t see the need for a ‘mandate’ when it comes to a valuable community service. Also, as is often the case, many people only become interested in such an initiative, when it directly effects them (e.g. when THEIR car is vandalised or graffiti is sprayed on THEIR walls).
I don’t believe we have a serious crime problem on the estate. But it’s important that we keep it that way. I think that a neighbourhood watch committee is a good information link between the residents and Gardai. Most people won’t contact the police for minor anti-social behaviour, but they may inform the committee, who in turn can gather and present the info to the relevant authorities.
Just last night I walked past 4 teenagers drinking alcohol, walking up SH Park. And there is usually a gang of them that congregate behind the bushes near xtravision. The graffiti is being caused by the kids (many of their parents may visit this board). But I’m really concerned about car break-ins and the like.
When the Luas opens in 2010 we are going to see a much higher throughput of people in our estate from elsewhere. If we let any sort of crime or anti-social behaviour go undocumented/unreported we are only storing more problems for ourselves in future.
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