South Dublin County

Community Safety Booklet 2017

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

2
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.

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.

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.

4
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.

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

5
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.

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.

6
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

7
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.

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.

8
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. 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.

9
More information about crowd safety

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

SDCC Safety Officer | 01 414 9000

10
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.

11
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.

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.

12
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!

13
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 | internetsafety@justice.ie |

01 602 8258

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

14
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 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.

Keep your ticket

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

15
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

16
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.

17
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 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.

18
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.

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.

19
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.

20
More information about volunteering

South Dublin County Volunteer Centre | www.volunteersouthdublin.ie |

info@volunteersouthdublin.ie | 01 462 8558

21
 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 Ronans 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 Sochna;
South Dublin County Council;
Oireachtas members; and
community representatives.

22
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

23