Town moves to end antisocial behaviour
A new joint policing committee, comprising gardaí, members of the Oireachtas, local authority members and three members of the public is to hold the first of its quarterly meetings early next month.
The initiative, which is already in place in other towns including Mallow and Clonakilty, has been introduced to help eliminate petty crime in the tourist town.
Former Mayor Tomas O’Brien said the move is particularly welcome as it will send out a message that crime won’t be tolerated and would create a forum for communication between the public and the gardaí.
“It’s very important that we have regular contact with the gardaí and the new committee will improve their ability to keep law and order in the town.
“The gardaí may have information for us and we may have information for them, but through these meetings we’ll be able to share that and that means that if problems are starting to emerge, such as drug taking, it will make it easier for them to nip it in the bud.
“The aim is to cut crime and eliminate it before it happens. The initiative is already up and running in Mallow and Clonakilty and is working very well there, so there’s no reason the same won’t happen here.”
Fianna Fáil councillor Darren Cotter said the move couldn’t have come at a better time, as the recent relocation of the district court to Bandon had sent out a message to criminals that the town was a soft touch.
“In the absence of the court being here, this is a welcome substitute, as it will get the community working together with the gardaí.
“If there is antisocial behaviour and petty crime taking place, it will now become far easier to stamp it out.”
Town clerk Michelle Kelleher has invited voluntary groups to nominate a representative to sit on the committee before the first meeting on April 6.
Three members of the public, three Oireachtas members, two members of the gardaí and all elected members are entitled to sit in on meetings.
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