PEOPLE living in coastal communities are being asked to help in the detection and prevention of crime, and report anything unusual that may involve drug smuggling.

It’s all part of an upgrading of An Garda Siochana’s Coastal Watch initiative that was launched in Castletownbere on Wednesday by the Assistant Commissioner for the Southern Region, Eileen Foster.

The community-based, crime-prevention initiative involves residents, businesses owners, landowners, government agencies, the voluntary emergency services and local garda personnel.

‘Coastal Watch is not just about policing, it is about presence, awareness prevention and partnership,’ according to the assistant commissioner.

She pointed out that for more than 30 years Coastal Watch has helped keep Ireland’s 7,500km of coastline safe. But improvements to the reporting system have now been introduced.

A Coastal Watch liaison garda inspector will be appointed in each division to educate the public about the initiative and to develop better links with local contacts. 

That inspector will also work with local gardaí to effectively channel intelligence reports.

And new Coastal Watch signage, involving a QR code linked to an online form, will be installed.

People are being asked to watch out for unknown boats landing in remote locations; boats with the names removed or concealed; suspected illegal dumping; suspected illegal fishing; unexpected tyre tracks on laneways; vehicles parked in unusual places; and intentionally destroyed vehicles.

‘If something appears suspicious, or out of place, or odd. I would say to you all, trust your instincts, and reach out to An Garda Siochána,’ said Asst Commr Foster.