Destruction of CCTV cameras in Cherry Orchard was a blatant two fingers to authorities

By Maurice Garvey

THE destruction of a CCTV camera pole in Cherry Orchard this week was a blatant two fingers to authorities by a sinister criminal element – who are intent on carrying out their activities undetected.

It was the latest of several attempts to destroy the high quality security camera at the junction of Cherry Orchard Avenue/Drive, which was only installed within the last year.

However, the manner in which a stolen truck was used to bash down the pole on a bright Bank Holiday evening, was described by one local source as a “shot across the bow” by criminals.

In a video posted online, the truck reverses at speed towards the pole, and debris from the camera is flung towards a passing car, missing the vehicle narrowly. 

The pole was subsequently put out of commission and removed for safety reasons by Dublin City Council.

The Echo understands that the equipment is not insured, and DCC are currently estimating the cost of the damage.

It was one of six new cameras installed at strategic locations last year, in an attempt by authorities to curb “high levels” of anti-social activity in the area.

In 2016, DCC allocated up to €35,000 towards CCTV cameras for Cherry Orchard in response to residents’ concerns about joyriding, drug dealing, intimidation and anti-social behaviour.

Dublin South Central Area Manager Peter Finnegan said the local authority will “endeavour to get the camera back up asap.”

“That they targeted it shows how effective the CCTV is,” said Mr Finnegan at an area meeting on Wednesday at DCC.

“It would be incumbent of us that if those responsible happen to be tenants, and disturb the community, that they should not continue to live in the community.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan said the criminal intimidation will not stop progress in the area.

Cllr Doolan said: “Ramming a stolen truck into security cameras is unacceptable. It was an attempt to undermine the good work going on in Cherry Orchard. These actions in no way represent local people. Families here are working hard to improve the community for their children and neighbours.”

An emergency motion by Cllrs Doolan and Greg Kelly on the matter received cross party support on Wednesday.

“Our social and economic plans for Cherry Orchard will move ahead and we will not be distracted or divided by the actions of criminals,” said Cllr Doolan.

Independent Councillor Vincent Jackson said a “small sinister element” are causing trouble on “almost a nightly basis.”

“No community should be asked to accept this,” he said.

“The vast majority in the area are law abiding. We should ensure this sinister group is eliminated or we can forget about progress.”

Fianna Fáil Councillor Daithí de Róiste, said the local group of thugs are able to “turn it on like a switch” through the use of WhatsApp groups.

“This needs the might and force of the State and a response from DCC and garda management,” he said.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the lorry, it was like something out of the Shield. It was as if they were saying to authorities, this is ours.”