Text Alert for Collinstown Fore Drumcree - have you signed up yet?
Collinstown Fore Drumcree Text Alert Service is taking shape. We held an information evening yesterday, 28th August, in Collinstown Hall and signed up the first members to the group. We were joined by Conor O'Leary Muintir na Tire and Sgt. John McWalter Crime Prevention Officer Mullingar who shared their experience of Text Alert groups with us.
Conor stressed the importance of contacting an Garda Siochana if you see something that you are concerned about. Sgt. John reitterated the importance of this "Don't be afraid to ring the Guards, that's what we're here for". The members of the Text Alert service will receive messages from the Guards when there is something that needs to be communicated. On average members can expect about one message every two weeks. Both John and Conor commented on the positive trend of an increase in calls to An Garda Siochana in areas where there is an active Text Alert system. When suspicious activity is reported to An Garda Siochana this information can be checked and referenced and alerts can be sent if there is a need. Community involvement is key to keeping our communities safe and to helping people to feel safer.
45 households in the area signed up during last night's meeting - most of these availed of the option to include two numbers.
How do I sign up?
The registration will remain open for two weeks only. Registration forms are available here and from committee members. If you have not yet signed up but would like to join the Text Alert Service you need to complete the form and give the completed form, along with the €20 fee, to any Text Alert or Action Group committee member before Wednesday 11th September.
What happens next?
On 11th September we will forward a list of mobile numbers from those who have registered to Text Alert to "Be Alert Company" and they will set the service up for us. Once the service is up and running all members will be able to access the "Cairde App" should they choose to do so, alternatively they can choose not to use the app and receive the messages via text. We will update you here with more information on the "Cairde App" and on the registration and set up progress in two weeks.
We wish to thank members of An Garda Siochana, Muintir na Tire, Helplink South ad Westmeath Community Development for attending last night's Information Talk and sharing their expertise and experience. It was very much appreciated.
Should you have any questions please contact Deirdre Daly 087 9556069, Pauline Kennedy 086 3480829 or David Kelly.
