Gardaí need support of community on crime

Communities under siege; vandalism, rows, drug dealing; and ram raids. Such incidents are becoming all too common in towns and villages throughout the country.

Newspaper reports tell of “gurriers” and “hoodlums” making housing estates “no-go” areas, while court cases detail stolen cars, street rows and broken jaws, break-ins, youths setting fire to cars, underage drinking and increased use of “hard” drugs such as heroin, right across the country.

At present many people are feeling insecure in their homes, are afraid to walk the streets at night and are worried about their property or businesses being targeted. The first step to addressing any problem is to face up to it before it gets out of control. Only then can we find answers.