Meeting on rural crime draws hundreds in Coolderry

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Victims of crime along the Tipp/Offaly boarder have been raising their concerns about policing in rural communities.

Over 200 people gathered at a public meeting in Coolderry, just outside Roscrea last night following the violent assault on their neighbour 54 year old Richie McKelvey nearly a fortnight ago.

Along with concerns about Garda resources the meeting heard calls for Community CCTV to be installed, tighter bail laws while some expressed concern that changing bank practices meant older people were reluctant to deposit cash.

Many of the people who attended last nights meeting were victims of crime themselves, including George who has been targetted a number of times.

The meeting was told that a special 8 person taskforce has been established to help deal with the hike in burglaries while there was increased armed checkpoints along the motorways

Superintendent Martin Cashen says people need to be security conscience too