Independent councillor Anthony Waldron has called on the government to reintroduce electronic tagging to prevent rural crime.

The councillor raised the issue at a recent council meeting, where he said there was “much support” from the committee.

Cllr. Waldron said that crime rates in Roscommon have “increased significantly” in the last year, with one premises facing break-ins on seven different occasions during the year.

“There has been many stories of the same people involved in crimes and there is concern about people taking the law into their own hands. Some people are living in genuine fear,” Cllr. Waldron said.

“The dogs on the street know what is happening, but the measures are not been taken by government to make the circumstances tougher for people to engage in rural crime,” Cllr. Waldron added.

Rural crime

Residents in Co. Roscommon and surrounding rural areas recently formed a protest against rural crime following a spate of robberies in the county, including a burglary at Elphin Livestock Mart, which was targeted by what is believed to have been a criminal gang.

Councillors raised the concern that the issue of continued rural crime is due to a reduction in opening hours for garda stations in the area.

“We will continue this campaign until we see results, and stand shoulder to shoulder with people to keep the pressure on our legislatures. It is shocking to think some people are out on bail and continue on with crimes,” Cllr. Waldron said.

The councillor said that while the prison services are “full”, that electronic tagging “would take some of the pressure off the services”.

“We all have to look out for each other at this time and note any strange cars in the area, as well as using neighbourhood watch,” Cllr. Waldron said.

Roscommon County Council has since sent a letter to Minister Helen McEntee, and will be in touch with whoever may be the next Minister for Justice, following the general election.