Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of much of that work. I know the aspect of deterrence is important. There are strong sentences in place, but the biggest deterrent of all is having gardaí in a local area where people know them and can see them, and that any stranger coming through the area will see their presence.

Many communities have had to organise initiatives themselves. There have been huge successes with text-alert schemes and community alert in many areas. This is a reflection of the failings of the official structures, that they are not working, and, therefore, people have to come together to do it.

We also need more emphasis on prevention. When criminals drive past a house they are thinking of targeting, if they see that there are cameras, lights on, and an alarm, it certainly deters them. Those kinds of preventative measures need to be put in place. Many people in rural areas cannot afford that. There needs to be consideration of what assistance can be given to help people put those protective measures in place on their properties.

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