by Paul McElwee
AS the old saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’, an adage which is especially true when it comes to crime.
And, tasked with ensuring crime stays at bay in Letterkenny and the surrounding area is Sergeant Fergus McGroary, new crime prevention officer for Donegal Garda Division.
He has replaced the recently-retired Garda Sergeant Paul Wallace in the role.
A 30-year veteran in the force, Drimarone native Sgt McGroary has seen his career take him from Coolock and Dun Laoghaire through to Bunbeg, Carrick, Glenties and Milford before taking up his new role, based in Letterkenny Garda Station.
Speaking about his new role, Sgt McGroary said it has many layers.
“I’m enjoying this new role so far and looking forward to engaging with the community on matters of crime prevention and safety in the community.
“Part of my background within the Gardaí is community engagement and road safety issues, including the Your Life, Your Choice initiative.
“My job is to be proactive rather than reactive, supporting crime prevention initiatives, supporting communities on how to keep themselves safe. It is great to be out and about in the local community, making vital contacts and helping where I can, whether it’s at the hospital, the campus at ATU, businesses or residents.”
Asked about the main challenges facing Gardaí in 21st century policing, Sgt McGroary said that the landscape has changed a lot since he began in 1994, with online crime coming more and more to the fore.
“Physical crime such as burglaries, assaults and others are definitely still happening but online is where quite a number of incidents are happening, with scammers taking people’s details whether through fraudulent emails or telephone calls.
“I would strongly urge anyone who receives communications of this sort to not give out any personal details of any kind. If it’s a phone call, be very wary and don’t be specific with details, and if it’s an email, check the website is legitimate before considering replying; remember, if it seems too good to be true then nine times out of ten it usually is, don’t become a victim.”
According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), recorded crime in Ireland increased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with theft and related crimes up nine per cent to 75,825 incidents.
Theft from shops accounted for 44 per cent of those an increase in North Western regions (+18 per cent) and fraud increased by 15 per cent in the same region.
Does Sgt McGroary believe gardaí have the resources to adequately tackle crime?
“It is fair to say we could always do with extra resources but would say that the resources we do have are fully committed to working with communities in order to keep the public safe.”
Sgt McGroary said there are three reasons why crime occurs; when people are motivated, an opportunity presents itself and when there’s a reduced opportunity of being caught.”
Outlining the best ways to ensure a safe environment, he said: “Some of the measures we advise include putting in alarms, beefing up security with outside lighting and joining a neighbourhood watch, especially in rural areas.
Don’t leave yourself vulnerable.
“Everyone is susceptible to crime but especially the elderly, who might be overpowered by someone younger. I would advise them to never open the door to anyone they don’t know and, if you’re unsure, call the Gardaí; that’s what were there for and will never not come out to anyone in need.”
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