‘We could do with additional resources’: Sergeant McGroary

by Paul McElwee

As the old saying goes, “prevention is better than cure,” an adage that is especially true when it comes to crime.

And tasked with ensuring that crime remains at bay in Letterkenny and the surrounding area is Sergeant Fergus McGroary, the new Crime Prevention Officer at Donegal Garda Division.

He replaced recently retired Sergeant Paul Wallace in this role.

A 30-year veteran of the force, Sgt McGroary, originally from Drimarone, saw his career take him from Coolock and Dun Laoghaire to Bunbeg, Carrick, Glenties and Milford before taking up his new role with headquarters in Letterkenny Garda Station.

Speaking about his new role, Sgt McGroary said it had many layers.

“So far I am enjoying this new role and look forward to engaging with the community on crime prevention and community safety issues.

“Part of my experience within the Gardaí is community involvement and road safety issues, including the Your Life, Your Choice initiative.

“My job is to be proactive rather than reactive, to support crime prevention initiatives, to support communities on how to keep themselves safe. It’s great to be in the local community, making vital contacts and helping where I can, whether it’s at the hospital, the UAT campus, businesses or residents.”

Asked about the main challenges facing gardaí in policing in the 21st century, Sgt McGroary said the landscape had changed a lot since he started in 1994, with online crime increasingly at the fore.

“Physical crime such as break-ins, assaults and the like certainly still happens, but online is where a fair number of incidents take place, with scammers taking over people’s details, either through fraudulent emails or calls telephone.

“I would strongly urge anyone receiving such communications not to give out personal details of any kind. If it’s a phone call, be very careful and don’t be specific with details, and if it’s an email, check that the website is legitimate before you even consider responding; Remember, if it seems too good to be true, nine times out of ten it usually is, don’t become a victim.”

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), recorded crime in Ireland increased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with theft and related offenses increasing by nine per cent to 75,825 incidents.

Shoplifting accounted for 44% of these, an increase in the North West (+18%) regions, and fraud increased by 15% in the same region.

Does Sgt McGroary think police have the resources to tackle crime adequately?

“It’s fair to say we could always use additional resources, but we would say the resources we have are fully committed to working with communities to keep the public safe.”

Sgt McGroary said there are three reasons why crimes happen; when people are motivated, opportunity presents itself and when there is little opportunity to get caught.”

Outlining the best ways to ensure a safe environment, he said: “Some of the measures we advise include setting off alarms, beefing up security with outdoor lighting and joining a neighborhood watch, especially in rural areas.

Don’t let yourself be vulnerable.

“Everyone is susceptible to crime, but especially the elderly, who could be overtaken by someone younger. I would advise them never to open the door to anyone they don’t know, and if you’re not sure, call the Gardaí; that’s what they were there for, and they’ll never come to anyone in need.”

Published: 17:00 17 August 2024

Shari