Don’t make a meal of crime prevention

Residents in West Cork will feel a little safer now that gardaí have joined forces with Meals on Wheels to promote crime prevention in the community.

The new initiative will see volunteers from Meals on Wheels deliver crime prevention packs to those availing of their services.

The packs will include advice on a number of topics such as burglaries, cold callers and rogue traders.

Speaking at the launch, Fiona Calnan, Chairperson of Rosscarbery Social Services, said that the initiative is a welcomed one and an ideal opportunity to “reach out to the community” and help with crime prevention.

She said: “With some of our more rural deliveries, we can sometimes be the only contact that a person may have during the week.”

Crime Prevention Officer for the West Cork Division, Sergeant James O’Donovan, said: “We’re asking everyone to be vigilant when someone calls to the door saying they are from a reputable company or organisation.

“Firstly, if you have a chain lock or door limiter, make sure it is on when you answer the door. If you are worried that a person who calls to your door is not who they say they are, call the gardaí immediately.

“Genuine trades people or organisations won’t be offended by any queries the gardaí may make,” he added.

Local resident Julia Hayes said: “Any bit of help is welcomed and it is great to see things like this. We are very lucky here in Roscarberry to have such services. It’s all about preventing crime.”