Women’s Group Ensures Large Gathering At February Community Alert Meeting. – By Christy Parker

A women’s group in attendance prior to their own regular meeting at Cumann na Daoine helped to swell considerably the attendance at the February meeting of Youghal and District Community Alert. In that, the gathering justified the group’s deviation from its usual 7.45 Tuesday night slot as it searched for a broader attendance. However one might justifiably argue that given the women’s group was scheduled for a 3 pm start, the 45 minute address on security issues delivered by Crime Prevention Officer for North Cork, Garda John Kelly, while being informative and interesting, persisted for too long and left inadequate time for involvement and interaction from the floor.

Proceedings began with a review of the minutes from the previous meeting by secretary, Michael Beecher. The secretary also informed that in the interim the group had contributed €100 towards the Union Hall fishing disaster fund at the behest of local Community Garda Peter Queally, who had also spent some time assisting the search.

Treasurer’s Report:

Pat Carey, deputising for Moss Heaphy, gave the opening balance was €1,759.45. Expenses in respect of Flanagan’s Print (€27), Cumann na Daoine (€20) and Broderick’s hardware/carbon monoxide alarms (€500) and Cask (€600) left a total of €612.45. Donations of €10 towards the carbon monoxide alarms raised the sum to €832.47 before the €100 to the Union Hall fund left a final total of €732.45.

Carbon monoxide alarms:

Chairman Des Davis explained that while the uptake on carbon monoxide alarms was going well, the community alert group only sponsored them for people aged 65 or over or harbouring disabilities. Furthermore, they were only provided for those within the general Youghal area. He said there was evidence that people far under the age limit, not disabled and in some cases residing some distance from Youghal, were making applications. He asked that this practice cease as it was unfair on those delivering and installing the alarms as well as legitimate applicants. He advised that people with doubts or queries contact himself, Michael Beecher or Garda Queally.

Mr. Davies thanked Care and Repair for distributing and installing the alarms and also to Broderick’s hardware for their subsidising gesture. He added that the alarms can still be purchased privately both from Broderick’s and elsewhere “at a very good price.”

Crime Report:

Prior to delivering the reported crime statistics since January’s meeting, Sergeant John Sharkey said an effort marshalled by Garda Queally and community alert activist Kay Curtain, Youghal traders and consumers had contributed €2,372 over one weekend to towards the Union Hall fishing tragedy.

Assaults: The sergeant said there had been three reported assaults, on January 5th, 16th and 20th. All had been solved; two had involved domestic incidents and the third was an altercation between two businessmen over an outstanding debt. He stressed that 99% of such incidences involved parties known to each other, and that random assaults on Youghal streets were “very, very rare.”

Burglaries: There had been three reported burglaries. One, at Beanfield, Gortaroo, involved two youths who were discovered at the scene and subsequently arrested by gardaí. One had since received eight months imprisonment and other is due in court on February 18th. A further burglary occurred on Raheen Road, where a rear window was forced to gain access.  The previous Saturday a lady in her 80’s and residing at Upper Strand answered the door to a man claiming to be a local garda. He said he wanted to check her money for forgeries but left with a considerable sum when she believed his story. Shortly afterwards a driver, believed to be the same individual, flashed down car on the Tallow Road and again purported to be a garda. He asked to follow the driver to his house to discuss unspecified issues. Fortunately the man’s son was at the exterior of the house and the suspect car drove on. The warning to be aware of bogus callers alleging to represent any organisation or service scarcely needed stressing. “Keep the chain on the door, ask for proper ID or call a neighbour or gardaí if in any way suspicious,” advised the sergeant.

Criminal Damage: There were six criminal damages incidents reported. These occurred at the Markets Square, Ashe Street, Beanfield, Upper Strand, shop at Barry’s Lane and a playschool at Kenny’s Lane.  In most cases there appeared to be no reason for the wanton damage other than sheer stupidity and vandalism.

Drugs: There were three detections, all of which were for possession.

Theft: A lady in Perks who noticed her handbag missing, subsequently had it replaced but on checking her bank account, found €500 had been withdrawn. The thief had brought her bag to a car and copied her card in a manner that enabled him to make withdrawals from her bank. Shop thefts were particularly prevalent amongst 20 incidents, with alcohol, make up and children’s clothing common targets, as were drive-offs from petrol stations. “Most of these were detected and solved,” informed the sergeant.

Forgery: One man was detained while attempting to pass a dud €50 note at a filling station.

Pubs: Twenty inspections had been performed since January and nothing untoward was found in any of them.

Underage Drinking: There were two detections, at Poison Bush Lane and Green Park.

Public Order Offences:Fourteen incidences represented a high total, observed the garda, adding that they were mostly drink related. Cautions fines and summonses did or will ensue.

Security advice:

Garda Kelly’s preceded his presentation by noting that crime in Ireland –and particularly violent crime against the elderly- had subsided considerably in recent decades. This was largely due to increased garda resources, detection, imprisonment and the emergence of community alert, he said.

The garda’s  talk covered a very wide range of security domains and it would be impractical to cover every aspect here. In brief, amongst the areas covered were:

Cars and sat-nav security: Criminals can trace one’s home address through a stolen sat-nav, explained Garda Kelly, in warning to secure the devices. He also advised having a charged mobile phone in one’s car, purchasing adequate petrol to avoid being stranded and wearing high visibility jackets when changing a wheel etc. –or indeed when walking on the road.

Computers & children: Check online activities regularly and install safety software if necessary, particularly in reference to chat rooms.

Home security: Look at one’s home as a stranger would. Ensure all access points are secured with adequate locks, such as mortise locks and so on, front and rear. Purchase a strong wall or floor safe (cost about €250) for storing valuables. Have a wide-angled door viewer. Beware scam artist bogus callers and beware of possible bogus ‘Saorview’ agents in the coming months. Bring your mobile phone to bedroom at night. Beware oil tank thefts lso, which are on the increase and difficult to prevent as drills are being used to access the contents, including also from lorries. Other precautions include closing curtains so your house interior can’t be observed and possible install an automated lighting system when away that will lend the appearance of occupancy.

The garda also advised promoting interior security by pruning trees and hedges to create a clear space approximate to the house. “Tree trunks should be bear up to two metres,” he advised. Seek positive identification from ‘cold callers’ purporting to be tradesmen, etc. and do not allow them into the property unless totally satisfied of their authenticity –which will probably require taking ther details and checking them out for return on another day.

Burglaries: In terms of burglaries, Garda Kelly said there were three different categories: targeted, opportunistic and distraction. He recounted one targeted incident whereby a visitor to a public hospital ward happened to overhear details of a patient’s home and valuables and subsequently burgled him. Distraction involved occupying the homeowner’s attention while an accomplice gained access elsewhere.

Advising that gardaí be contacted when suspicions are roused, he said the final details on number plate –excluding the year and county- is the most valuable for tracing purposes.

The garda said that daytime on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays were prime time for burglaries through June, July and August with cash, jewellery and electronic items the principal targets. Jewellery being easy to sell on, he advised keeping an inventory of such items on computer (assuming that isn’t stolen too of course!). He explained that in 2011, 27% of burgled homes were unsecured at the time.  Come September onwards, night time attracted such crimes. He warned too of bogus phone callers such as those seeking credit card payments, etc., in lieu of some fictitious computer fault, which is a common occurrence nowadays (usually someone with an Asian accent I notice, having got yet another one myself while I have been writing this!) “Just hang up when he starts,” advised Garda Kelly (though I found it impossible to resist some light entertainment by stringing him along for five minutes).

Identity theft:

Garda Kelly warned against giving out personal information online, such as through unsolicited e-mails, while lost or stolen wallets/purses and transaction receipts, security and credit cards are also liable sources. In one recent high profile drugs case, a smuggler had acquired the birth certificate of a deceased 15 year-old to acquire a passport, he informed.

The meeting concluded with a brief question and answer session, during which it was mooted that a similar group may be inaugurated in the Kinsalebridge area.  The next Youghal and District Community Alert Meeting will take place at the regular time of 7.45 in Cumann na Daoine, on Tuesday March 6th.

EARLIER STARTS OR ‘MEETINGS ON THE MOVE’ BEING CONSIDERED BY YOUGHAL COMMUNITY ALERT.

By Christy Parker

Youghal & District Community Alert group is considering options that might boost attendances at its monthly meetings. Amongst the measures being contemplated are switching to morning or afternoon meetings instead of  the present 7.45 pm  and with increased accent on providing a community information service and regular guest speakers. Meetings may convene in bar or function rooms, with accompanying refreshments. This would replicate November’s meeting, which was held in the Nook bar on a midweek morning and attracted some new faces and favourable observations. On the downside, it is known that some people were not comfortable with attending a pub (let alone in the morning to hear warnings on drug abuse!).

Another alternative would see the group remain in situ at Cumann na Daoine but times during the day or evening to facilitate those attending other events to proceed to the Community Alert meeting thereafter. A further innovation being considered is to rotate meetings in various residential centres in co-operation with various community committees and where there would be particular emphasis on issues within that community or estate, etc. One argument however against change is that fluctuating meeting times is probably not for the best.

The issue was raised at December’s meeting by Chairman Des Davis, before a handful of regulars who have emerged as the group’s core and driving force. The poor attendances can be interpreted in several ways, not all of which are negative. The absence of serious crime (at the risk of tempting fate) probably dilutes interest, while the media coverage perhaps provides many people with sufficient information on developments.

Equally, it was observed at December’s meeting, elderly people in particular are reluctant to travel at night due to the cold and darkness and the cost and requirement of public transport. “Besides, without tea and scones, it’s very hard to get anyone to come out at night anyway!”, noted one man at December’s meeting.

Having existed, albeit relatively dormant, for many years through the efforts of founder Moss Lynch, the Y&DCA was effectively re-launched three years ago following a ‘Halloween nightmare’ of vandalism and criminality on the main streets. The circumstances saw the early meetings well attended. In later times, quality has surpassed quantity, enabling the group to bring indelible improvement to the community. This is reflected particularly in the acquisition and installation of over 100 socially monitored alarms along with formation of the highly valued Care and Repair service and the Community Bus initiative which were offshoots of the local Community Alert movement.

Yet, as the chairman stressed, larger attendances such as convenes at community alert meetings in other jurisdictions, remains an ambition. The matter will be discussed further at January’s meeting.

Earlier, December’s meeting saw Mossie Murphy circulate his treasurer’s report, which showed current assets at €1,759.45.

Crime Statistics

Community Garda Peter Queally then provided crime statistics covering the period October to December. These were as follows: Thefts: 7; Assaults: 2, including one serious incident that coincided with the burning of a hearse and a couple of burglaries, all of which were perpetrated by the same people on one particular night. Arrests had been made and court proceedings were anticipated;

Drugs: 9 for possession (own use) and 2 for sale and supply;

Criminal Damage: 6, some of which involved stones and eggs being thrown on Halloween night. The garda pinpointed an increase in antisocial behaviour in the town, particularly in the vicinity of the College Gardens and Adoration Chapel but also on the main street. He said ASBOs had been issued and more would follow, along with whatever measures the gardaí deemed necessary to problem including, in due course, court proceedings. In response to an inquiry from the floor, he clarified that ASBOs can also be served on adults;

Theft/MPV (breaking into and stealing from private vehicles) 2: Garda Queally stressed that goods and valuables should be concealed form view at all times to discourage this common and simple crime;

Drunk Driving: 3; Domestic Incidents (violence in the home): 5, which were referred to the HSE; Burglaries: 3; Underage Drinking: 1; Public Order Offences: 7.

The chairman Des Davis welcomed evidence that an increasing amount of people appear to be availing of services that assist in treatment for drug problems. He added however, that prevention being better than cure, the community at large should not cease to consider ways to dissuade people, particularly the young, from falling into the trap of drug taking in the first place.

Alarms

Garda Queally said there had been about 30 socially monitored alarms installed over the past year, at a grant-aided cost of €6,600. Currently, the group owed about €600 to alarm installation company TASK, in lieu of different alarm pendants and watches, re-installation of alarms handed back, etc. It was agreed to pay this forthwith.

From the floor it was mooted that people in rural areas be prioritised for future alarm installations as several people in town had changed their minds about retaining the devices. A reluctance to pay the €60 annual maintenance fee was cited as a prime reason for this. However it was decided that any discrimination in the installation of alarms would be a mistake in practice.

Garda Queally said uptake on smoke alarms remained low. Simultaneously, it was noted, individuals who had applied for smoke alarms were experiencing delays in acquiring them because there needed to be about ten or so applications made before Cork County Council would provide them. Garda Queally said the delay was also due to the county council’s failure to return some application forms that had been forwarded to the wrong department.

Carbon monoxide

Community Alert Treasurer Michael Beecher drew attention to the issue of carbon monoxide alarms. He said they were available for €29 in hardware shops. He stressed the inherent danger of (odourless) carbon monoxide emissions in particular at Christmas, where extra electrical could prompt sudden energy surges. The group agreed to consider the possibility of subsidising such alarms for those who could not afford them. This will be considered more fully at January’s meeting along while the possibility that currently available smoke alarms also monitor carbon monoxide is also to be investigated.

Attention then turned to a house in the town that has become available for rent, as a voice from the floor asked whether a plea from the group could be made to the landlord that the incoming resident/s would be of good character. The issue was raised on foot of a death having occurred in the premises previously and consider distress having been incurred subsequently by a neighbour who was mourning the passing of close relative at the time. Another contributor suggested the “residents’ network” make recommendation. Garda Queally said he would recommend that the gardaí follow up the issue and this was agreed.

The next Community Alert meeting will be held in Cuman na Daoine on Tuesday January 3rd at 7.45 pm

end

COMMUNITY ALERT MEETING HEARS GIVEN SAFETY IN THE HOME ADVICE. – By Christy Parker

Christy Parker concludes his review of November’s Youghal and District Community Alert meeting.

Amongst the speakers at November’s Youghal and District Community Alert meeting, which convened as a morning session at the Nook bar, was Diarmuid Cronin, Southern Garda Region, (Counties Kerry Cork), Development Officer.

Mr. Cronin delivered a brief but highly informative talk on the nature and need for Community Alert in communities, with particular emphasis on safety amongst the elderly. “Community Alert goes back 25 years and is an east Cork/Churchtown South development (co-founded by Youghal strand resident Moss Lynch),” he began. “It is a partnership between An Garda, local communities and Munitir na Tíre and is sanctioned by the Department of Justice.”

The speaker said there are about 200 groups active in the region, each with its own distinctive character, depending on the number and general profile of its membership. “There is a huge diversity and every organisation is a reflection on of the members’ ambitions and interests,” he explained. “My role is simply to assist in whatever way needed,” he added.

Most vulnerable

Mr. Cronin proceeded that “one of hardest tasks for any Community Alert group is researching and defining who is vulnerable and what makes them so. From my experience, I think those most vulnerable are those who have withdrawn into themselves and so live with very few friends or perhaps no friends at all. This is far more common than you can ever imagine,” he observed, warning that “there are many people in your community now who do not have a network of people around them and so have nobody contacting them on a reasonably regular basis. If something goes wrong, such as a fall an accident, nobody knows.”

Underlining the point, the official described an incidence in east Cork in recent months whereby an elderly woman had spent 15 days on the floor of her kitchen before being discovered. “She had been an active, out-and-about sort of person but didn’t have close friends or neighbours. We can’t imagine the horror of what she endured during that time,” he said.

Personal alarms

Such terrible occurrences have contributed to the awareness and installation of hundreds of thousands of centrally monitored personal alarm systems throughout Ireland, the meeting heard. The appliances are free of charge, other than a small yearly maintenance fee. Application forms are available from the garda station (or from Community Garda Peter Queally in Youghal) and installation is performed through Community Alert personnel.

The alarms system enables the wearer to press a panic button on a wristband or pendant, which quickly brings a response from someone in the monitoring station. Mr Cronin outlined how the user’s personal and medical details are instantly activated on a screen in the monitoring station, when the button is pressed, alongside a series of numbers (family, friends, local gardaí, etc.) to contact for assistance. “If they cannot hear the wearer or if the situation demands it, they immediately summon help,” he said.

The speaker stressed strongly the importance of those acquiring such availing of the service to wear or carry the ‘panic button’ apparatus at all times and “not hang it off the dressier Sacred Heart picture where it will be useless if needed.”

The official also reassured that accidental activation of the button was part and parcel of the system and “in no way inconvenienced the monitoring station personal at all. In fact they are quite glad to find that the button is working perfectly and will usually advise people to test it out regularly to reassure themselves. They get up to 70,000 such accidental alerts per year,” he added.

About 100 such alarms systems have been installed in Youghal in the past two years, both for people living alone and with partners or family. The only stipulation is that the applicant must be 65 years of age or over.

Responding to the floor, Mr. Croinin illustrated further the vital role played by socially monitored alarms in protecting the elderly. “Three Christmases ago a man in Kerry was burning rubbish on a bonfire when he fell into it,” he commenced. “He pressed the button and the alarm alerted the monitors. He pressed it repeatedly for five minutes and every time someone in the station responded, meaning he had three different people actively summoning help form three different sources for him. They knew it was very serious and so three individuals and the local gardaí dashed to his aid. He was very seriously burned, spent months in hospital but is hale and hearty now and still tending his garden. The device saved him.”

Fires

The recollection diverted the focus to fire risk in general. Mr. Cronin said Community Alert programmes had seen the death rate through fire in Cork fall from the highest in Ireland to the lowest in six years. The statistic behind the decrease is that 90% of people who die in fires die unnecessarily, he revealed.

Amongst various information sheets on personal and home security that were available through Mr. Cronin, the following offers timely advice pertaining particularly to stove fires in the season of cheer and home fires burning: i) Children are particularly susceptible to serious burns from a stove so place a safeguard round the apparatus; ii) never use lighter fuel, diesel or kerosene to light a fire; iii) clean your chimney a least once yearly and inspect it monthly for soot or creosote accumulation; iv) be absolutely certain that your stove is properly vented; v) clean the stove or fireplace frequently; vi)  Use ash or oak firewood preferably as they burn hottest and for longer; vii) keep firewood covered, off the ground and not touching any building as air circulation dries it better.

In the event of sustaining burns, it is advisable to: i) cool the area immediately by soaking it in cold water; ii) avoid using ice as it can further damage the skin; iii) never use creams or oils in the immediate aftermath but instead apply a hydro gel type dressing or a smooth, cool damp cloth; iv) do not pop burn blisters as that leaves the area prone to infection; v) if a burn is serious go straight to a hospital; vi) do not try to remove clothing stuck to the skin by a burn as this may peel off skin or tissue; vii) if burned around the eyes or mouth or have trouble opening them remain still as possible and await medical help; viii) if possible elevate the burned area so that it is higher than your heart, but if the neck is burned lies prone until medical assistance arrives.

Home Safety Check List

The attendance was also provided with a Safety Checklist to reduce the risk of fall in the home. Amongst the recommendations are:

All rooms: i)No loose carpeting or rugs with non-slip backing; ii) dispose of mat edges that can cause trips; iii) remove furniture from traffic areas; iv) tape wires to walls; v) ensure all lights are working.

Stairs and Inclines: i) remove items from steps; ii) ensure room for easy movement at top and bottom of stairs; iii) no loose carpeting or upturned edges; iv) handrails securely attached and at appropriate height; v) proper lighting and switches at either end of stairs; v) handrail on inner wall along with bannister.

Bathroom:  i) Properly mounted grab bars near tub, shower and toilet; ii) non-slip surfaces in tub and shower; iii) nightlights in rooms; iv) non-slip maths ad rugs; shower/tub bench or seat.

Bedroom: i) Bedside table with non-tip lamp and room for eye glasses; ii) clear access between bedroom and bathroom; iii) comfortable sturdy chair to aid dressing; iv) emergency Bulkhead light in case of electricity cut outs.

Kitchen: i) Items reachable without a stool; ii) sturdy high stool for use during food preparation; iii) flooring free of cracks or upturned edges.

Individual: i) Socially monitored alarm working ok and familiar with use; ii) someone to check on individual daily; iii) schedule annual medical check-up; iv) discuss medications with physician to determine effects on balance; v) establish light exercise routine.

The next Community Alert meeting is on Tuesday December 6th in Cumann na Daoine at 7.45 pm.