Senator calls for reserve force to back gardaí

A MORE innovate anti-crime strategy, involving the recruitment of a garda reserve, was called for yesterday by Senator Michael Finucane of Fine Gael.

The Newcastle West, Co Limerick-based senator said a garda reserve was needed to support the gardaí, particularly in rural areas where he said many people keep loaded shotguns under the bed at night for protection.

“Gangs are coming out into rural Limerick from the city late at night,” he said. “There are also non-nationals involved in a lot of crime in rural Co Limerick. There is a real fear in the community.”