south dublin county community safety booklet 2017 · avoid keeping large amounts of money in your...

South Dublin County

Community Safety Booklet 2017

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Contents

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

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

Drugs in the community ............................................................................................... 6

Crowd safety ............................................................................................................... 8

Home safety .............................................................................................................. 11

Internet ...................................................................................................................... 13

Public transport ......................................................................................................... 15

Using a bike ............................................................................................................... 17

Volunteering .............................................................................................................. 19

Garda Stations .......................................................................................................... 22

Project sponsors ........................................................................................................ 22

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Introduction Community safety is not just an issue for An Garda Síochána 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:

• controlled breathing; or

• mindfulness.

Avoid pubs and off-licences Change your route to avoid pubs or off-licences.

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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 – don’t leave it unattended.

• Don’t 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.

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 Gardaí You should report any criminal drug activity that you know about in your

neighbourhood to the Gardaí.

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.

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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;

• don’t 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.

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.

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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.

Take your time leaving Let the crowd rushing go first. You’ll 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, don’t 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.

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More information about crowd safety

Safe Events | www.safeevents.ie | [email protected]

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.

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.

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Be neighbourly Keep an eye on your neighbour’s house, but don’t 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.

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.

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!

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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).

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 | [email protected] |

01 602 8258

Webwise | www.webwise.ie | [email protected]

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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 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 don’t 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.

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

complaint.

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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.

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.

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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

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

Report stolen bikes If your bike is stolen, tell the Gardaí.

More information about using a bike

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

Dublin Cycling Campaign | http://www.dublincycling.ie/ | [email protected].

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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 one’s 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.

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

don’t just 'not show up'.

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

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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.

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.

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.

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More information about volunteering

South Dublin County Volunteer Centre | www.volunteersouthdublin.ie | [email protected] | 01 462 8558

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Garda Stations Station Address Phone number

1. Ballyfermot Rossmore Avenue, Ballyfermot 01-666 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, Rathfarnham 01-666 6500

7. Ronanstown Saint Ronan’s Avenue, Clondalkin 01-666 7700

8. Tallaght Belgard Walk, Tallaght 01-666 6000

9. Terenure Terenure Road West Terenure 01-666 6400

Project sponsors

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 Síochána;

• South Dublin County Council;

• Oireachtas members; and

• community representatives.

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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 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

south dublin county community safety booklet 2017 · avoid keeping large amounts of money in your...

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