GARDAÍ in Limerick have introduced a host of measures to keep people safe in the city centre in the lead up to Christmas.
The Limerick City Centre Christmas Operation Plan was officially launched today (Friday, November 28) on Thomas Street under the enhanced Operation Merile.
Safety measures under the plan include additional Gardaí on the beat in the city centre, increased Garda patrols and a community engagement van, which is equipped with audio visual equipment and an internal seating area for the public.
An awareness campaign for vulnerable road users will also be available with targeted enforcement where necessary.
Superintendent Andrew Lacey of Henry Street Garda Station said: “Keeping people safe while shopping, attending events and socialising is our priority. It is intrinsic to our city centre policing model which we work continuously on through periodic meetings with city centre traders, business, public representatives and staff of Limerick City and County Council.”
“We are working together to develop and evaluate tailor-made responses that our Gardaí on the ground are implementing. This high visibility Garda presence will have an increased focus and robust approach to public order policing, anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, aggressive begging and shoplifting, with a pro arrest policy for recidivist offenders, and appropriate applications before the courts”, Superintendent Lacey added.
Four exclusion orders have also been issued to individuals engaging in aggressive begging in Limerick in recent weeks, meaning they are not allowed into the city centre.
However speaking to the Limerick Post, Superintendent Lacey said that “these people are probably at their most vulnerable and may be struggling with addiction, which must also be considered.”
A laser marking machine, gifted by Synergy Security, will also be available on Thomas Street during the festive season that will brand valuable items of property with an individuals driver’s licence number.
The hugely popular Santa nice list Initiative will also return to this year with community Gardaí providing nice list certificates to Santa to all the good boys and girls across the county.
The certificates, available from the community policing van which will be regularly parked up in the city, serve in recognition of good behaviour and kindness throughout the year, with Gardaí giving a firm stamp of approval for the bearer to get their names onto Santa’s nice list.
And for the rest of us hoping to enjoy ourselves this Christmas, the message from Gardaí is simple: “Plan your nights out, it’s a busy period with lots of parties going on so plan your route home and stay in touch with people”, Superintendent Andrew Lacey advised.
“Make sure you lock your cars, leave nothing visible in them and when you’re out and about to just be conscious of your environment and make good decisions.”