South Dublin County

Community Safety Booklet 2017

Contents

Introduction ................................................................................ 3

Alcohol ....................................................................................... 4

Drugs in the community ............................................................. 7

Crowd safety ............................................................................. 9

Home safety ............................................................................ 12

Internet .................................................................................... 15

Public transport ....................................................................... 17

Using a bike ............................................................................. 20

Volunteering ............................................................................ 23

Garda Stations ........................................................................ 27

Project sponsors ...................................................................... 27

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Introduction
Community safety is not just an issue for An Garda Sochna
and the emergency services. Everyone has a role in community
safety.

This booklet will give you information so you can make your
community safer. It complements the work of existing initiatives
like:
Neighbourhood Watch; and
Community Safety Fora.

This South Dublin County Community Safety Booklet has been

put together by community members from across county
Dublin. Members of the Community Pillar of the Public
Participation Network (PPN) identified community safety as a
priority issue.

Community safety is also a priority of the:

Joint Policing Committee; and
Age Friendly County.

These two structures along with PPN have worked together to

deliver this project for the benefit of community members
across South Dublin County.

You can view and find out more about this document online at:
www.sdcppn.ie/csb.

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Alcohol
Ireland has high levels of alcohol consumption. Four out of five
adults drink alcohol and this means it is regarded as a normal
activity. However, it is important to remember that alcohol can
be harmful to both your physical and mental health.

The risk from alcohol increases in line with how much you
drink. It is important to understand how alcohol affects your
health so you can make an informed decision about your
drinking. To do this you need to understand the recommended
limits for drinking alcohol and how drinking more than this can
put your health at risk.

When we think of alcohol, we often think of parties, drink-

driving and car crashes. But drinking alcohol puts you at higher
risk of all kinds of health and safety-related issues such as
accidents, illness and injury. This is especially true if you drink
a lot in a short space of time.

Alcohol health tips

Avoid alcohol
Drink low-alcohol alternatives.
Suggest alcohol-free activities with friends.

Manage stress
If you feel you rely on drink to relax or de-stress, try learning
some stress-management techniques, like:

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 controlled breathing; or
mindfulness.

Avoid pubs and off-licences

Change your route to avoid pubs or off-licences.

Alcohol safety tips

Don't be a drunk driver
Never ever drink and drive.
Have a plan for the night and agree on how you are getting
home.

Be careful when out for the night

Avoid risky places and activities.
Stay with people you know.
Guard your drink dont leave it unattended.
Dont mix drinks or mix alcohol with drugs.

Know the alcohol guidelines

Stay within the low-risk guidelines and avoid binge drinking.

Don't mix drink and sex

You should not mix alcohol and sex. Drunken sex is not
consensual sex.

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More information about alcohol
HSE Alcohol & Drug Helpline | www.drugs.ie/phone | 1800
459 459

Alcoholics Anonymous | www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie | 01

842 0700

Drink Aware | www.drinkaware.ie | 01 517 5900

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Drugs in the community
A community drug problem emerges when a significant number
of problem drug users are concentrated in a particular area,
and the community does not have adequate resources to deal
with the problem.

Drugs health tips

Take responsibility
If you are using drugs, the problem is first and foremost your
problem.

Help is available
If you or someone you know is affected by addiction there are
many projects and supports in the area to help.

Don't share prescription medicines

Prescriptions medicines are for one named person only.

Drugs safety tips

Contact Neighbourhood Watch
Contact your local Neighbourhood Watch to see what is in
place for drug problems in your area.

Report drug activity to Garda

You should report any criminal drug activity that you know
about in your neighbourhood to the Garda.

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Don't touch discarded needles
Call South Dublin County Council Public Realm to remove
discarded needles safely.

Report intimidation
If you experience drug-related intimidation, speak to the
Garda Drug Liaison Officer in your local Garda station.

Don't drive
Do not drive under the influence of drugs.

More information about drugs

Tallaght Drugs & Alcohol Task Force | www.tallaghtdatf.ie | 01
464 9307

Clondalkin Drugs & Alcohol Task Force: |

www.clondalkindrugstaskforce.ie | 01 457 9445

HSE Outreach Service | 086 806 5014

Crimestoppers | www.crimestoppers.ie | 1800 25 00 25

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Crowd safety
Every week many concerts, festivals, public meetings and
major events take place across Dublin. Every day we
experience crowds when we are going about our daily
business, like:
shopping;
travelling on public transport; and
working.

If we make the following safety precautions part of our routine,

it can reduce the stress that we sometimes experience in busy
and crowded situations.

General crowd safety tips

Carry ID and contact information
Carry identification.

Make sure that children and vulnerable adults have a contact

phone number they can call if they need to.

Be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers

Be alert:
carry your valuables in an inside pocket;
dont leave your items out of sight; and
if you are carrying a bag, frequently change the shoulder or
hand you are using to hold it.

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Note where your car is parked
If parking in a large carpark or open space, note something
that will give you a clue to remind you where you parked.

You could even take a photo.

Follow public safety announcements

If there is a public announcement to evacuate, follow
instructions and make sure that young people and vulnerable
adults in your group also do so.

Safety tips for events

Take note of layout
When you arrive take note of the location of the:
toilets;
first aid facilities; and
exits.

Don't follow the crowd

If you fall during a surge in a crowd, curl up into a ball and
protect your head. Make your way to the edge of the crowd as
soon as you can.

If you are unhappy at crowd management at an event, follow

your instinct and leave.

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Take your time leaving
Let the crowd rushing go first. Youll get out of the car park
more easily and stress free.

Tips for shopping centres and streets

Be shopping centre aware
Take note of exits in large enclosed multi-storey shopping
centres and agree meeting points and times with companions.

Avoid being surrounded

Never allow yourself to be surrounded by a group seeking the
time or directions. Keep moving if replying, dont stop. Don't
open your bag or take out your phone.

Alert security if someone is in distress

If you come across someone in distress, alert security rather
than trying to deal with the situation yourself.

More information about crowd safety

Safe Events | www.safeevents.ie | hello@safeevents.ie

SDCC Safety Officer | 01 414 9000

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Home safety
Safety turns a House into a Home. Safety in the home is very
important. This section focuses on things you can do to
improve the safety in your home.

There are several things that make us feel unsafe in the home.
These include crime nearby or outside and rumours of such
incidents. Rumours can spread rapidly on social media and
what was first reported as one incident can then appear to be
many incidents.

General home safety tips

Watch your front door
Take care answering your front door if you are not expecting
someone.

Be careful with cash

Avoid keeping large amounts of money in your house.

If in doubt, ring 999

Always ring 999 to log your emergency or concern.
Get to know your Community Guard.

Know your neighbours

Get involved in your Neighbourhood Watch and put up signs
in the area.

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Physical home safety tips
Use good security
You should fit:
good door locks;
CCTV;
safety devices; and
an alarm.
Check them regularly.

Value your valuables

Keep keys and other valuables out of sight.

Be neighbourly
Keep an eye on your neighbours house, but dont ever
approach anyone suspicious, ring 999.

Tips for when you are away from your home

Get help from your neighbour
Swap phone numbers and alarm codes with a trusted
neighbour.

Shine a light
Turn on a light when you go out. Make sure a light can be
seen from outside your house. You can use a timer when on
holidays.

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Unexpected strangers
Don't enter conversation with unknown tradespeople
If someone approaches you about something like a loose
slate on the roof, thank them and inform them a family
member is looking after it.

Get identification
Always ask for official ID.

More information about home safety

Contact your local Garda station or Neighbourhood Watch.

The phone number for your local Garda station is listed on

the back of this booklet.

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Internet
The internet is one of the best resources available to us.
Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous if you are unaware of
who and what lurks behind the scenes.

It's always good to be cautious while on the internet. Hundreds

of social media sites exist, and online fraud is more effective
than ever. Follow these simple tips to protect yourself online.

General internet safety tips

'https' S stands for secure
Always look for 'https' in the web browser address bar. This is
an extra layer of security that makes it safer to login to your:
email,
online banking, and
any other account.

Keep numbers private

Do not share:
your PPS number,
bank account, or
any other sensitive information.

Google yourself
Search for your name online using Google or another search
engine to see what the internet knows about you.

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Vary your password
Avoid using the same password for everything.

Email safety tips

Don't get caught by 'phishing'
Be alert for phishing scams (fraud).

You have not won the lotto and you are not due a massive
inheritance from a foreign prince!

Social media safety tips

Stick to friends
Only connect with people you know.

Stay private
Take some time to review your privacy settings.

Cyber news spreads fast!

Post only what you would be happy to see in the local
newspaper.

Personal computing safety tips

Use anti-virus software
Make sure you have anti-virus software installed on your
computer. You can get many of these for free. This will help to
protect you against a malicious attack (virus).

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Keep passwords private
Never save passwords on a computer that does not belong to
you or that you share with someone else.

Online banking
Don't send your bank details by email
Your bank will never send you an email asking for your
financial details or pin number.

More information about internet safety

Office for Internet Safety | www.internetsafety.ie |

internetsafety@justice.ie | 01 602 8258

Webwise | www.webwise.ie | internetsafety@pdst.ie

Public transport
Public transport can be a quick and efficient way of travelling
around. This section has tips for travelling safely by bus, Luas
and train.

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Tips for travelling on public transport
Plan ahead and use apps
Plan your journey in advance as much as possible and make
sure you know your route and stops.

Use smartphone applications (apps) to know when your

transport is due (Dublin Bus App, Luas App, Irish Rail App).
This saves time waiting around unnecessarily.

When leaving your bus, Luas or train, make sure you dont
leave any belongings behind.

Check the times of your last bus, Luas or train.

Watch that gap

Watch the gap when getting on and getting off a train, bus or
Luas.

Stay secure
Have your ticket, pass or change ready so your purse or
wallet is out of sight.
Keep bags zipped and valuables secure.
Sit as close as possible to the driver.
Look out for Help Points and passenger alarms use them
if you feel threatened they will connect you to staff.

Report incidents
You should report any unpleasant experience to the driver or
conductor.

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Keep your ticket
Always keep your ticket as it contains information necessary
to investigate any complaint.

More information about public transport

Dublin Bus | www.dublinbus.ie | 01 873 4222

Luas | www.luas.ie | 1850 300604

Irish Rail | www.irishrail.ie | 01 836 6222

Bus ireann | www.buseireann.ie | 1850 836 611

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Using a bike
Cycling can be an efficient and quick way of travelling across
the county, but you need to ride safely and protect your bike
from theft.

Cycling safely
Be seen
Wear luminous clothing like:
hi-vis vests;
fluorescent armbands; and
reflective belts.

Wear a helmet.

At night, use a:
white front light;
red back light; and
rear reflector.

Keep left
Signal before:
moving out from the kerb when starting to cycle;
changing lanes; or
making a turn.

Be aware of trucks turning left.

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Cycle carefully
Never cycle through red or orange traffic lights.

Don't weave unpredictably in and out of traffic.

Watch your speed on busy streets and downhill.

Don't carry things on your handlebars use a basket or

pannier if possible.

When you break in an emergency, keep your weight on the

saddle apply the back and front brakes evenly.

Maintain your bike

Make sure your brakes are in good condition and you have a
bell.

Protect your bike

Note the frame number
Record the frame number. It is normally under the bike
between the pedals.

Take a photo of yourself with your bike.

Secure your bike well

Use two different, decent locks.
Lock the wheels as well as the frame.
Lock your bike to something that cannot be moved.
Wrap any loose cable or chain around the bike.
Change quick release wheels and saddles

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 Always lock your bike even at home, in the shed or in work.

Report stolen bikes

If your bike is stolen, tell the Garda.

More information about using a bike

Road Safety Authority | www.rsa.ie | 1890 40 60 40

Dublin Cycling Campaign | http://www.dublincycling.ie/ |

info@dublincycling.ie.

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Volunteering
Volunteering is the commitment of time and energy for the
benefit of society and the community, the environment or
individuals outside ones immediate family. It is undertaken
freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain.

However, it is important that volunteers are protected and that

they volunteer with the confidence and reassurance they would
expect from a legitimate organisation.

General volunteering tips

Know your organisation
Research an organisation to be sure they are genuinely 'not
for profit'.

Visit the organisation to have a look around and have a chat.

Job description
Ask to see the job description for the role you are volunteering
to do.

Find out if expenses are covered.

Know you rights

Ask to see the volunteer policy so you know your rights if you
have a complaint or dispute.

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Know your manager
Be clear about who your volunteer line manager is. This will
make sure you know exactly who is accountable for
supervising the work you do.

Show respect
Make sure to respect privacy and confidentiality.

Be committed
Even though you are volunteering, an organisation may be
depending on you so dont just 'not show up'.

Take breaks
Make sure you take breaks if volunteering for more than a few
hours.

Tips for volunteering at events

Check insurance
Make sure you are insured at an event.

Health and safety

Be aware of all health and safety requirements at events.

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Stick to your role
Be careful to only carry out the volunteering role assigned to
you.

Be careful with children and vulnerable adults

Make sure you are never with a child or vulnerable adult on
your own.

Tips for volunteer organisations

Be insured
Make sure you have general liability insurance for all
volunteers.

Get Garda vetting

Get Garda vetting for volunteers in roles that involve working
with children and vulnerable adults. The law requires you to
do this.

Check references
Always do reference checks on potential volunteers
preferably by phone. Make sure that the referee is not a
relation of the volunteer.

Be clear about the role

Have clear role descriptions, volunteer policies and volunteer
agreements in place.

Support your volunteers

Put in place regular support and supervision.

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Train your volunteers
Make sure to have proper training in place for volunteers to
make sure that they have the necessary skills to carry out a
role.

More information about volunteering

South Dublin County Volunteer Centre |
www.volunteersouthdublin.ie | info@volunteersouthdublin.ie |
01 462 8558

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Garda Stations
Station Address Phone
number
1. Ballyfermot Rossmore Avenue, 01-666
Ballyfermot 7200

2. Clondalkin Orchard Lane, Clondalkin 01-666

7600

3. Crumlin St. Agnes Road, Crumlin 01-666

6200

4. Lucan Leixlip Road, Lucan 01-666

7300

5. Rathcoole Main Street, Rathcoole 01-666

7900

6. Rathfarnham Butterfield Avenue, 01-666

Rathfarnham 6500

7. Ronanstown Saint Ronans Avenue, 01-666

Clondalkin 7700

8. Tallaght Belgard Walk, Tallaght 01-666

6000

9. Terenure Terenure Road West 01-666

Terenure 6400

Project sponsors

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Age Friendly County
In January 2012, the Age Friendly County Alliance was set up.
The Alliance includes representatives of agencies who are
providing services to older people. Through their membership
of the Alliance these agencies are committed to working
together to improve the quality of life of older people in South
Dublin. They are also committed to making this a great county
in which to grow older.

Joint Policing Committee

The South Dublin County Joint Policing Committee provides a
forum for representatives from:
An Garda Sochna;
South Dublin County Council;
Oireachtas members; and
community representatives.
This forum allows them to:
address issues relating to crime locally;
get together in a regular and structured way;
consult with each other; and
discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the
policing of South Dublin County.

Public Participation Network

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South Dublin County Public Participation Network (PPN)
represents the collective voice of community and voluntary,
environmental and social inclusion organisations in South
Dublin County.

The PPN engages with South Dublin County Council as an

equal and independent partner. The PPN asserts the rights of
its members to organise and structure their participation in
relevant policy arenas.

To find out more about community safety and the contents of

this booklet, visit www.sdcppn.ie/csb

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