Government must increase numbers of local community Gardaí
Yesterday’s shooting in Belcamp shows the urgent need to increase the number of local community Gardaí. For too long low level anti-social behaviour has gone un-responded to due to lack of local Garda resources. This sends out the message that this behaviour is acceptable and allows many young people engaged in such behaviour to become involved in more serious behaviour.
Local residents become frustrated by the lack of response from local Gardaí and stop reporting such incidences or giving information to Gardaí about such incidences.
This vicious cycle leads to more aggressive antisocial behaviour, drugs crime and gun crime. Too often local residents live in fear that their children will either get seriously involved or seriously injured in criminal activities. Thankfully the young man shot last evening is recovering well in hospital but the next victim may not be so lucky.
I appeal to anyone with information to contact Coolock Garda Station in the strictest confidence on 01 666 4200