Community Alert is a safety programme within rural areas, with an emphasis on older people’s security. It operates as a partnership between the community, An Garda Síochána and Muintir na Tíre. With over 1,250 groups in place already, the key principle is shared responsibility for crime prevention and reduction. The programme aims to develop community relations and reduce opportunities for crimes to occur.

Sergeant Graham Kavanagh believes that the older people of rural Ireland are deserving of good community-driven crime prevention and a decent night’s sleep.

“Rural communities are great for watching out for their older neighbours. Unfortunately though, the fear still exists and this is a direct result of crime. Whether anything actually happens or not, the fear is always there because of the stories we read and hear,” he says.

To alleviate this fear, community policing units engage with older people over a cup of tea to find out about their needs and concerns. As bogus callers continue to arrive at people’s doorsteps, Sergeant Kavanagh has this advice.

“Bogus ‘tradesmen’ target rural homes. A simple message is, if you live on your own or with another older relative, say no to unfamiliar phone or house callers. Simply do not engage with them,” he says. “You know better than anyone else if you need work done around the house or garden. You don’t need a stranger to come tell you that your chimney needs cleaning or your phone line is down.”

In his years as a crime prevention officer, Sergeant Kavanagh has learned that older people are more security conscious than the youth. He feels, however, that due to their more traditional welcoming nature, older people are often led into scams. Answering the door or phone to a smiling stranger might seem like the polite thing to do, but have a look out the window first, he advises. Do you recognise them? If not, stick your hand out the window and give them a bogus card to fill out and hand back to you. Tell them your son or daughter will be home shortly and you will ring them back. If they are not genuine, they won’t stick around. If they are, you can chat to them later.

Sergeant Kavanagh emphasises the importance of telling your son, daughter or neighbour about the caller ASAP so the guards can identify the culprit and keep them on their radar. In turn, locals will be informed through community alert and the fraudster is unlikely to achieve anything.

“If you see someone who you do not like the look of, for whatever reason, report them. If they are innocent then there is no harm done and if not, you are helping to safeguard both yourself and your community,” Sergeant Kavanagh urges.

Looking out for older neighbours

A simple weekly phone call or visit is sufficient. However, respecting people’s privacy and independence is important. So, to ensure safety and peace of mind for all, Sergeant Kavanagh encourages people to engage with community alert schemes.

“Get involved in your local community alert group. You won’t be ran! Don’t be afraid. It’s not about what you know, it’s the friendship that counts,” he says.

“They are a massive benefit to the guards and to the older population. The presence of the gardaí is reassuring. However, we don’t want to be living in people’s ears. Plus, people don’t like seeing the gardaí every day. The community alert members are great for checking in and looking out for older people, with a community spirit that the guards try to impose.”

Finally, he reiterates: “There are so many great, decent people in rural communities who want to help and safeguard their neighbours. Rural Ireland is still a great place.”

Call 062 51163 or email info@muintir.ie to find out more or to set up your own community alert group.

Senior alert scheme

The Senior Alert Scheme is financed by Pobal and provides a grant for the supply of equipment and personal pendant alarms. The pendant is worn around the older person’s wrist or neck and when activated in cases of emergency, provides immediate contact with the chosen people on their emergency contact list. This enables older people in the community to continue living securely in their own home. There are certain criteria in place in deciding eligibility for the grant assistance. To find out more, call the Pobal Helpdesk at 01-5117222.

Positive Ageing Week runs from 1-7 October. Visit http://positiveageingweek.com/