Gardaí target young offenders in Harelawn area
By Maurice Garvey
GARDAÍ targeted 17 known young offenders in Harelawn prior to Halloween – to ensure the community enjoyed a peaceful weekend.
A thorough garda operation resulted in 17 young people – most of whom had criminal records – being targeted and brought to court.
Gang activity is Harelawn was a particular concern for authorities in September and October.
Speaking at the Policing Meeting in Lucan last week, Superintendent Dermot Mann said gardaí made sure the individuals appeared in court, and if bail was issued, that gardaí went back to courts with warrants the next day.
“That operation played a major part in helping over the Halloween period,” said Supt Mann.
The North Clondalkin estate has endured a trying year with gang activity resulting in stolen cars, burglaries and intimidation.
In September, tenancy warnings were issued to seven families in the estate – whilst a further three tenancy warnings were issued to families whose household members are involved in anti-social behaviour.
In April residents took part in a community survey conducted by Sinn Féin which revealed that almost 70 per cent of people were concerned about the high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
The council plan to continue to liaise with gardaí in respect of “ongoing anti-social behaviour” in the area and said further action under the Housing Act may be taken.
Senior gardaí urged residents to always contact them directly, as they are not in a position to monitor and act on claims posted on various neighbourhood watch Facebook sites.
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