Dundalk’s Townwatch scheme relaunched to tackle security and safety issues

Dundalk’s Townwatch scheme was relaunched on Wednesday in cooperation with local gardai. 

Gardai, Dundalk BIDS and local traders met up at the Creative Spark Hub to discuss how they can work together to solve the ongoing security and safety issues that are facing Dundalk town businesses.

First set up in 2012, the Dundalk Town Centre Watch Scheme was one of the first in Ireland and was designed to get all traders involved, curb stock losses and reduce crime figures.

Operating in a similar way to community alert programmes, retailers ask that people report all suspicious activity to the gardai or to a town watch member identified by the logo displayed in all members’ shop fronts.

Townwatch aims to build a secure network of businesses that are prepared and informed on how to deal with retail crime, minimising disruption and loss to their store.

At the relaunch of the Dundalk Townwatch meeting in the Creative Spark Hub were Sean Farrell Chairman Supt Charlie Armstrong Martin McElligott Bids Manager and Garda Dara Prior

The morning saw retailers retrained in the radio network scheme, which sees retailers communicate via radio and provides a real time information sharing platform that was previously serviced by emails and text messages. 

The system aims to give confidence and security to business owners, as it is a direct line to the network of members.

Help, if needed, can be reached much faster than before. It also alerts business to potential fraudsters on any given day, helping the radio holder to prepare and alert staff members of any suspicious activity.

The scheme covers an extensive network that is capable of stretching the length and breadth of the Town Centre and reaches as far as the Retail Park.

Dundalk Townwatch urges its members to continue reporting any crimes or incidents of anti-social behavior and begging, that they may witness or experience in their business or area to ensure that as many perpetrators as possible are brought to justice and the area becomes a safer place for all.

If you would like to find out more on how to become a Radio member, you can contact the BID company  on 04293 52842 or email manager@dundalkbids.com