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In the wake of a number of cars being broken into and homes being burgled recently, people around the Mitchelstown area have reported feeling less safe than they used to before. To create a picture of how perceptions have changed in recent years, journalist Sandra Quinn took to Facebook to gauge people's reactions about how safe they feel in their own homes and what precautions they take to protect themselves from crime.
One of the main things that came across was that while years ago, people would have felt quite comfortable leaving cars unlocked or house doors unsecured, they now check and double check to see if things are safe against intruders before leaving home.
Likewise, many people seem to think that many crimes are those of opportunity, as opposed to ones driven by malicious intent to cause harm or hurt, but for those whose homes who had been burgled or whose cars had been broken into, it was more the violation of their privacy that disturbed them, rather than the physical loss of items or money.
This exercise was prompted by a post on Sandra's Facebook page, in which she spoke about a recent incident in Mayfield, Cork, where a man had his car stolen, after he had left keys in it while defrosting it. A number of people from Mitchelstown and its immediate environs responded, saying that they don't really feel safe in Mitchelstown, which is what led our story in this direction, to focus on this one area. However, if anyone feels that other areas are similar, The Avondhu would love to hear from them on our Facebook page, Twitter or website.
Andrew Dineen is fearful that while there are petty crimes happening at the moment, these could escalate.
"It's hard not to be pessimistic about the level of crime and open drug abuse in our town at the moment. I fear it's only a matter of time before an innocent person is hurt. Sadly, in recent weeks, the level of crime and vandalism in our area has sky rocketed."
Bill Power commented that Mitchelstown is no longer what it used to be. "I grew up in a home that had doors which were rarely locked, except when we were away or at night time. We knew almost everyone who walked past the front door. The reverse is now true. CCTV's, burglar alarms and dogs have replaced the 'open door' era."
He added however, that people shouldn't have to to worry about crime if areas are properly policed and he referenced an article in The Avondhu lately, where Gardai recommended that people park in well lit areas with CCTV, in order to avoid being targeted by thieves.
Martin Lane concurred with this point, saying that 'a society properly policed is a thing of the past' and that 'no one has any confidence in the judicial system'.
Building on this, Pearl of Kilshanna said that two jeeps were broken into on King Street which would be considered a 'well lit' area. "The extent of the damage that was done was shocking. It was acknowledged by the Gardai we spoke to that very little can be done to punish these individuals.
"It seems, nowadays, as in all jobs like nursing or teaching, the Gardai are overwhelmed with paperwork, form filling etc., instead of actual policing."
Pointing out a very practical thing, Carole Bradley said that while she isn't overly scared, she is 'wary' and is concerned about keeping a routine, which could be noted and monitored, as people could see a pattern in when she leaves her home.
"I do feel as though 'we' are being watched, I worry more than I ever used to - I feel like some of my freedom has been taken away, I am now quite wary."
Safety is also a concern for businesses like Miko's Bar, who commented on the Facebook post.
"When I was growing up, our back door was never locked. We never locked the car either, but nowadays, I lock the car when I'm just filling up with diesel and every door and window is locked at the house. I live three miles from the town and up a gated boreen and we still take those precautions. As for the pub, every door and window is secured and the alarm is set, even if I'm only going for the paper."
Norma Cotter, who has young children, always makes sure the house and car are securely locked and has dogs at home, who will warn of intruders. But she also ensures that her children don't take electronic devices into the car, for fear they'd be left on the seats and the car would be targeted by someone walking by.
"I too grew up with doors unlocked, but that day is well and truly gone I'm afraid. I rarely take a handbag now either when I go shopping - my purse and phone are in my pocket. I also prefer to get money from the cash machine inside the bank, rather than the one on the street."
Barry Skinner referenced the cars broken into during Mass in recent weeks, saying that 'people with less than good morals have targeted Mitchelstown', adding that he now worries that senior citizens will be targeted.
"This latest upsurge in crime could also have something to do with the increase in hard drug use in the town and hinterland. They use crime to pay for their habit and will attack and rob anyone and everyone to feed it," he said.
* Connect with journalist Sandra on Facebook through the Sandra Quinn Avondhu page, on Twitter @quinnsandra and visit www.avondhupress.wpengine.com to keep up to date with more stories in The Avondhu and to be part of the discussion about topics and issues that affect people locally.
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