People need to feel secure in their homes and their community. There have been numerous incidents of burglaries and anti-social behavior in the locality in recent times. Continuous cut backs to the Garda budget combined with the economic recession has unfortunately fostered an increase in crime.

I have been in contact with the Community Gardaí in Blanchardstown and they have informed me of the following:

·They are engaged in Operation Acer which seeks to specifically target and monitor areas where there have been burglaries in the community through the use of detectives and high visibility Gardaí

· They have asked that any suspicious activity be reported directly to the station and any information will enhance their preventative operation on the ground. Blanchardstown Garda Station can be contacted at 01-666 7000 and I would like to pay tribute to the Community Gardaí who were very receptive to all our concerns. I would like resident associations to encourage and support the setting up of neigbourhood watch schemes. I would be more than willing to do what I can to bring this about. As a community we can work together to proactively help the Gardaí to tackle crime and I am determined to work with all of you to try and put an end to the increasing crime rates in our area.