Gardaí give assurances on foot patrols to tackle crime in Castlebar 

GARDAÍ in Castlebar are committed to assigning a greater number of officers to patrol the streets of the town during busy times.

The assurance was given by Superintendent Joe McKenna at the launch of the local Business Watch Scheme to help combat shoplifting and other acts of crime against the commericial sector.

The scheme is headed by Garda Mick Toland, community liaison officer.

In response to a concern raised by shop owner Tony Baynes, Supt. McKenna said there are already extra foot patrols in place due to additional staff being appointed to Castlebar Garda Station.

He elaborated: “I am very much in favour of foot patrols. Whenever I walk down town myself, I do so in full uniform.

“Our presence on the streets has improved generally despite the demands on the force. The public will also have noticed that we hold a regular checkpoint at Chapel Street in order to deal with motoring offences.

“In recent weeks we have also made two prosecutions in respect of begging. I am hoping to secure further staff in the future in order to provide more patrolling. It is good to have a strong garda presence on the streets.”

Supt. McKenna explained that a lot of demands are placed on the force in Castlebar due to the fact the town has one of the busiest courthouses in the country and a garda must be assigned to each court session.

He told business owners they should consider asking all customers to avoid wearing hoodies or headwear while visiting their shops.

“This will help to identify people through CCTV images when a crime is committed. Shoplifting ia a huge problem that must be tacked through a co-ordinated approach,” he added.

The well-attended launch took place at the Bridge St. establishment.