South Dublin County

Community Safety
Booklet
2017
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.

Table of Contents
Home page 3
Alcohol page 4
Drugs page 5
Public Transport page 6
Using a bike page 7
Internet page 8-9
Crowds page 10
Volunteering page 11
Useful Contacts page 12

2
Home
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.

Tips...
General
>> Take care answering your front door if you are not expecting someone.
>> Avoid keeping large amounts of money in your house.
>> Always ring 999 to log your emergency or concern.
>> Get to know your Community Garda.
>> Get involved in your neighbourhood watch and put up signs in the area.

Physical
>> You could fit good door locks, CCTV, safety devices (an alarm). Check these regularly.
>> Keep keys and other valuables out of sight.
>> Keep an eye on your neighbours house, but dont ever approach anyone
suspicious, ring 999.

When you are away from home

>> Swap phone numbers and alarm codes with a trusted neighbour.
>> Turn on light when you go out. Make sure a light can be seen from outside your
house. You can use a timer when on holidays.

Unexpected strangers
>> If someone approaches you about a loose slate on the roof, thank them and
inform them a family member is looking after it.
>> Always ask unknown tradespeople for official ID.

More Information . . .
Your local Garda Station or Neighbourhood Watch.

3
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.

Tips...
Health:
>> Drink low-alcohol alternatives.
>> Suggest alcohol-free activities with friends.
>> If you feel you rely on drink to relax or de-stress, try learning some stress-
management techniques, like controlled breathing; or mindfulness.
>> Change your route to avoid pubs or off-licenses.
Safety:
>> Dont be a drunk driver. Never ever drink and drive.
>> Have a plan for the night and agree on how you are getting home.
>> Stay within the low-risk guidelines and avoid binge drinking.
>> Avoid risky places and activities.
>> Stay with people you know.
>> You should not mix alcohol and sex. Drunken sex is not consensual sex.
>> Dont mix drinks or mix with drugs.
>> Guard your drink dont leave it unattended.

More Information . . .
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

4
Drugs
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.

Tips...
Health
>> Prescriptions medicines are for one named person only. Do not share yours.
>> If you or someone you know is affected by addiction there are many projects and
supports in the area to help.
>> If you are using drugs, the problem is first and foremost your problem.
Safety
>> Contact your local Neighbourhood Watch to see what is in place for drug problems
in your area.
>> You should report any criminal drug activity that you know about in your
neighbourhood to the Garda.
>> Call South Dublin County Council Public Realm to remove discarded needles safely.
>> If you experience drug-related intimidation, speak to the Garda Drug Liaison
Officer in your local Garda station.
>> Do not drive under the influence of drugs.

More Information . . .
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

5
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.

Tips...
Plan ahead:
>> 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.
>> Always keep your ticket as it contains information necessary to investigate any
complaint.
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.
>> Watch the gap when getting on and getting off a train, bus or Luas.
>> You should report any unpleasant experience to the driver or conductor.

More Information . . .
Dublin Bus | www.dublinbus.ie | 01 873 4222
Luas | www.luas.ie |1850 300 604
Irish Rail | www.irishrail.ie | 01 836 6222
Bus ireann | www.buseireann | 1850 836 611

6
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.

Tips...
Cycling safely
>> Be seen. Wear luminous clothing
like, hi-vis vests, fluorescent Protecting your bike
armbands, and reflective belts. At >> Record the frame number. It is
night, use a white front light, red normally under the bike between
back light and rear reflector. the pedals.
>> Wear a helmet. >> Take a photo of yourself with your
>> Keep left. Signal before moving out bike.
from the kerb when starting to cycle, >> Use two different, decent locks.
changing lanes, or making a turn. >> Lock the wheels as well as the
>> Be aware of truck and buses turning frame.
left. >> Lock your bike to something that
>> Cycle carefully. Never cycle through cannot be moved.
red or orange traffic lights. Dont >> Consider changing quick release
weave unpredictably in and out of wheels and saddle to thru-axle
traffic. Watch your speed on busy wheels and a bolt-on saddle.
streets and downhill.
>> Always lock your bike even in the
>> Dont carry things on your garden, in the shed or in work.
handlebars use a basket or
>> If your bike is stolen, tell the Garda.
pannier if possible.
>> Make sure your brakes are in good
condition and you have a bell.
>> When you break in an emergency,
keep your weight on the saddle
apply the back and front brakes
evenly.

More Information . . .
Road Safety Authority | www.rsa.ie | 1890 40 60 40
Dublin Cycling Campaign | www.dublincycling.ie | info@dublincycling.ie

7
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.
Its 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.

Tips...
General
>> 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.
>> Do not share your PPS number, bank account or any other sensitive information online.
>> Search for your name online using Google or another search engine to see what the
internet knows about you. You have the right to have it removed.
>> Avoid using the same password for everything.
Email and Social Media
>> Be alert for phishing scams (fraud). You have not won the lotto and you are not due
a massive inheritance from a foreign prince!
>> Stick to friends. Only connect with people you know.
>> Take some time to review your privacy settings.
>> Post only what you would be happy to see in the local newspaper.
Personal Computing
>> 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).
>> Never save passwords on a computer that does not belong to you or that you
share with someone outside your family.
Online Banking
>> Your bank will never send you an email asking for your financial details or pin number.

More Information . . .
Office for Internet Safety | www.internetsafety.ie | internetsafety@justice.ie | 01 602 8258
Webwise | www.webwise.ie | internetsafety@pdst.ie

8
Here we have two examples of Youth led cyber safety and anti-bullying campaigns.
South Dublin Comhairle na ngs Cyber Safety Charter and Waterford Comhairle
na ngs Cyber Code. Feel free to photocopy these for use at home, in school or the
local youth club.

Cyber Safety Charter

South Dublin Comhairle na ng are committed to ensuring that all young people in
the county have a right to:
1. Recognise the importance of thinking before you type.
2. Their own privacy.
3. Not be bullied or bully others.
4. Free expression where that right does not impact negatively on another
person.
5. Use social media appropriately and responsibly.
6. Access relevant information around staying safe while using the internet and
what to do if your rights are being neglected.
7. Support people being bullied, inform young people about staying safe and
changing their passwords.
8. Report abuse on social networking sites and mobile applications to the
relevant official, responsible adult or friend.

9
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.

Tips...
General
>> 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.
>> 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.
>> 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.
Events
>> When you arrive take note of the location of the toilets, information desk, first aid
facilities and exits.
>> 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.
>> Take your time leaving. Let the crowd rushing go first. Youll get out of the car park
more easily and stress free.
Shopping centres and streets
>> When you arrive, agree meeting points and times with companions.
>> Never allow yourself to be surrounded by a group seeking the time or directions.
Keep moving if replying, dont stop. Dont open your bag or take out your phone.
>> If you come across someone in distress, alert security rather than trying to deal
with the situation yourself.

More Information . . .
Safe Events | www.safeevents.ie | hello@safeevents.ie
South Dublin County Council Safety Officer | 01 414 9000

10
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.

Tips...
General
>> Research an organisation to be sure
they are genuinely not for profit.
>> Visit the organisation to have a look
around and have a chat.
>> Ask to see the job description for the
role you are volunteering to do.
>> Find out if expenses are covered.
>> Ask to see the volunteer policy so
you know your rights if you have a
complaint or dispute.
>> 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.
>> 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.
>> Make sure you take breaks if
volunteering for more than a few
hours.
More Information...
South Dublin County Volunteer Centre
| www.volunteersouthdublin.ie |info@
volunteersouthdublin.ie | 01 462 8558
At Events
>> Make sure you are insured at an event.
>> Be aware of all health and safety
requirements at events.
>> Be careful to only carry out the
volunteering role assigned to you.
>> Make sure you are never with a child or
vulnerable adult on your own.
For an Organisation
>> Make sure you have general liability
insurance for all volunteers.
>> Get Garda vetting for volunteers in
roles that involve working with children
and vulnerable adults. The law requires
you to do this.
>> Always do reference checks on
potential volunteers preferably by
phone. Make sure that the referee is
not a relation of the volunteer.
>> Have clear role descriptions, volunteer
policies and volunteer agreements in
place.
>> Put in place regular support and
supervision for 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.

11
Useful Contacts
Garda Stations
Ballyfermot | Rossmore Avenue, Ballyfermot | 01 666 7200
Clondalkin |Orchard Lane, Clondalkin | 01 666 7600
Crumlin |St. Agnes Road, Crumlin | 01 666 6200
Lucan | Leixlip Road, Lucan | 01 666 7300
Rathcoole | Main Street, Rathcoole | 01 666 7900
Rathfarnham | Butterfield Avenue, Rathfarnham | 01 666 6500
Ronanstown | Saint Ronans Avenue, Clondalkin | 01 666 7700
Tallaght | Belgard Walk, Tallaght | 01 666 6000
Terenure | Terenure Road West Terenure | 01 666 6400

My Phone Numbers

South Dublin County

In January 2012, the Age
Friendly County Alliance was
set up by South Dublin County
Council. 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.
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