Published in the West Cork Times, 25th November 2013
The second annual Cork West Garda Division Business Watch /Retail Fora was held at Dunmanway’s Parkway Hotel and organised by the Dunmanway Enterprise Network (DEN).
Retailers from all over West Cork attended the meeting as did Chief Superintendent Tom Hayes, Crime Prevention Officer Sgt. Ian O’Callaghan, Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan, Detective Inspector Joe Moore and Superintendent Mick Fitzpatrick.
Peter Walsh from DEN was MC for the event which was very well attended.
Sgt. O’Callaghan gave a detailed presentation on crime statistics across the division and noted that while the general trend was downward, there had been an increase in shoplifting offences.
In the year to date there have been 181 shoplifting offences in the Cork West division and 68 burglaries from business premises.
He outlined the numerous measures businesses owners can take to make their premises more secure and reduce the chances of being a victim of crime.
Chief Superintendent Tom Hayes pointed out the importance of reporting every crime in order to give gardaí an accurate picture of what was happening on the ground.
“We feel that a number of crimes are not being reported,” he said, “and if they are not reported we don’t get an accurate picture of what’s going on”.
“I can understand if you know someone and it may seem like a relatively minor incident that you might not report it but it is better for everyone including the perpetrator that these issues are dealt with,” he said.
Chief Superintendent Hayes said that reporting crimes sends the message to criminals that it is not acceptable.
Representatives from ADA security who install CCTV systems also gave a talk about security camera systems and Sgt. O’Callaghan outlined the procedures required for the setting up of community monitored systems, such as that currently being installed in Bantry.
For advice on crime prevention in your business contact Sgt. Ian O’Callaghan at Bandon Garda Station on 023 885 2200.
