Crime can be prevented if there is self-help and neighbourliness in strong local communities, according to a new report.
Muintir na Tire's Community Alert Consultative Report on community crime prevention has called for financial resources for promotion and consolidation of the Community Alert programme. Mr Jim Quigley, president of Muintir na Tire, said 59 consultative meetings were held with Community Alert groups throughout the State over three months.
The report highlighted the willingness of communities to work with gardai to share responsibility for crime prevention.
"More importantly, it draws attention to the need for Government and other relevant agencies to recognise and support the important input by volunteers around the country into community crime prevention," Mr Quigley said at the publication of the report yesterday.
He said Muintir na Tire would continue to rely on its philosophy of self-help as the building blocks of communities where crime would not flourish.
The report was introduced in Dublin by the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Ms Mary Wallace.