The second annual Cork West Garda Division Business Watch and Retail Forum was held at Dunmanway’s Parkway Hotel, organised by the Dunmanway Enterprise Network (DEN). Retailers from all over West Cork attended, 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.
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: 181 in the year to date, and 68 burglaries from business premises. He outlined the numerous measures business owners can take to make their premises more secure.
“We feel that a number of crimes are not being reported, and if they are not reported we don’t get an accurate picture of what’s going on. Reporting crime sends the message to criminals that it is not acceptable.”
Representatives from ADA, who install CCTV systems, also gave a talk on security camera systems, and Sgt O’Callaghan outlined the procedures required to set up community-monitored systems such as the one then being installed in Bantry.
Published in the West Cork Times, 25 November 2013.