Crime level concerns expressed after Mayo pub break-ins

A LOCAL councillor has expressed concern at levels of crime in Mayo following break-ins at four pubs on Friday night.

“This is of huge concern to the people of Mayo and the communities affected.

"Three pubs in Tourmakeady and one pub in Killawalla were burgled in the space of one night, causing huge fear and upset in those communities,” said Fianna Fáil Councillor Martin McLoughlin.

“People have a right to feel safe in their communities but the feeling on the ground is that criminal gangs view rural Ireland as a soft target due to lack of gardaí in the rural areas.”

Local gardaí have been praised for their swift response, but, said Councillor McLoughlin, we simply don't have enough gardaí in Mayo.

He continued: “I intend to raise this matter at the next meeting of Mayo County Council as I believe the local authority should engage with gardaí on the issue.

“The incoming Fine Gael Taoiseach says he wants to focus on law and order. My message to Simon Harris is don't forget about rural Ireland and counties like Mayo. We know 90% of new recruits from Templemore are being sent to Dublin with very few coming west. This is totally unsatisfactory.

“I very much feel for those who have been the victims of these crimes and wish local gardaí well in their efforts to find those responsible.”