Suspicious activity prompts calls for greater garda patrols in south Wicklow

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Councillors in Arklow have called for an increase in the number of garda patrols on duty in the area.

The issue was raised during their September monthly meeting following a spate of suspicious activities, burglaries and threatening behaviours in the Beech Road area of Arklow, Avoca, Redcross and Woodenbridge.

Speaking during the meeting Cllr Sylvester Bourke said that the lack of garda resources has led to a rise in anti-social behaviour.

“We need to remind residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to gardaí,” he added.

Cllr Warren O’Toole highlighted that every district in the county is affected by these incidents, while Cllr Peir Leonard stressed the importance of allowing gardaí the power to respond to these attacks.

Cllrs Pat Kennedy and Pat Fitzgerald both stressed the importance of residents checking in with their elderly neighbours, as they may be prone to being targeted.

The call comes after Wicklow County Council received reports about two individuals claiming to be employees of the local authority who visited homes throughout Avoca, Tinahely, Carnew and the surrounding South Wicklow areas in recent days.

These two people attempted to offer general home maintenance services on behalf of Wicklow County Council and requested payment. It is suspected that they may have approached several homes.

Council officials advise members of the public who encounter these individuals or a similar situation, to remain vigilant and report it to the gardaí. All employees of Wicklow County Council are required to carry valid ID and should be able to provide it upon request.

Cllr Miriam Murphy queried what extra measures can be taken, after the recent Garda allocation placed only two officers in stations based in the north of the county.

One is expected to be stationed in Wicklow town, while another is expected to be assigned to Bray, leaving no extra support for the entire Wicklow Wexford constituency.

Cllr Murphy raised concern at the allocation following a series of high profile, anti-social incidents in the town over the summer.

“People are concerned and calling out for more visible garda support. They are feeling frustrated at being left isolated and alone with limited access to garda resources.”