Dundrum: Call for a revamp of neighbourhood watch schemes

The loans tied to Dundrum Town centre are likely to sell this year

THE chairman of Crimestoppers is to address a public meeting in Dundrum about burglaries.

Tim Dalton is scheduled to speak at the meeting organised by Fianna Fail Senator Mary White next week.

Ms White is calling for the rejuvenation of neighbourhood watch schemes around the area of south Dublin.

“The issue of burglaries  is rampant and there is a real interest in revamping neighbourhood watch schemes locally,” she told the Herald.

“Neighbourhood watch will allow the local community to work closely with gardai. This is particularly important for vulnerable older people living alone.

“At a recent meeting half of those in attendance had been a victim of this crime.”

The proximity of the M50 is one of the reasons that south Dublin is an attractive target for burglaries she said.

Recent statistics from the CSO show that burglaries have increased 8pc nationally and Ms White said that it is a particular problem in her constituency.

Several residents associations have been invited to discuss establishing a neighbourhood watch scheme in their area.

Noreen Barron of the Gallops Neighbourhood Watch scheme will also address the meeting on Thursday, July 16 in the Taney Parish Centre in Dundrum at 7.30pm.

Meanwhile, the Mount Merrion Residents Association has just launched a community alert scheme in the area.

It is largely focused on older residents to help protect them from bogus callers.