Extra gardai on beat in Limerick for Christmas to tackle aggressive begging and drug-related crime

IN THE lead up to Christmas, gardaí in Limerick city centre will be ramping up patrols to help prevent crime, and to support local businesses.

More gardaí will be on patrol during peak hours and there will be more of a focus on preventing aggressive begging and drug-related crime.

These initiatives are all part of the Christmas policing plan, which was launched this Friday in the city.

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As part of the plan, there will be up to four additional gardaí on the beat during busy trading hours.

There will also be garda patrols specifically in areas which are popular for shopping, public transport pick-ups and socialising hubs.

An awareness campaign for vulnerable road users is also part of the policing plan for the Christmas period and this will highlight the importance of visibility on the road.

Community gardaí will also be continuing the hugely popular Santa nice list initiative. Gardaí will provide nice certs to all the good boys and girls and these will be available from the community policing van, which will be parked in the city. These nice certs will recognise good behaviour and kindness.

Superintendent Andrew Lacey of Henry Street garda station said that keeping people safe, whether they are out shopping, socialising or attending an event, is their priority.

He said that they work with retailers, business people, council staff and public representatives throughout the year.

 “We are working together to develop and evaluate tailor-made responses that our gardaí on the ground are implementing,” he pointed out.

Superintendent Lacey added that the gardaí's aim with this policing plan is for everyone to enjoy the Christmas period and for businesses to benefit. 

“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,” he continued.

“Our Gardaí are committed to ensuring Limerick City remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy this Christmas season and that our hard-working businesses benefit from our policing plan.”