Crime-fighting councillor launches text alert service

The Cork city councillor whose dramatic high-speed pursuit led to the capture and eventual jailing of a notorious Dublin-based house break-in gang has launched a Neighbourhood Watch- style text service.

Glendale-based Labour Cllr Ger Gibbons said he hopes the service, aimed primarily at residents in the city’s south west ward, will encourage people to report suspicious activity in their area.

But he said it will also be used to keep residents up-to-date on severe weather alerts, flood warnings, road closures, and residents’ association meeting.