Don't post checkpoint locations on social media - Gardai

The Laois Offaly Garda Division's crime prevention officer has called on members of the public to stop posting the location of garda checkpoints on social media.

"This is done by people who think that they may be helping their friends and neighbours, but also criminals are also using such schemes.
Disclosing such locations potentially compromises the Garda Road Policing Initiative and the safety of your community," Sergeant Graham Kavanagh, Crime Prevention Officer in Laois/Offaly warned this week.

The Gardai have also called on the owners of vacant properties to ensure they are seucred well following 14 recorded copper thefts in the locality in recent weeks.

In addition to the theft of copper cylinders from seven vacant properties at Moorehill, Tullamore, on November 5, thieves have also been removing phone lines along roadsides in rural areas for the small amount of copper contained in this cabling.

In a statement issued this week, Sgt Graham Kavanagh, the crime prevention officer for Laois Offaly urged members of the public to report any unusual sightings.

"Another noticeable area of concern is the targeting of copper cylinders and piping from vacant premises. Our advice would be to either ensure vacant properties are secured well, if such items are to be left there, or remove them if the property is to be left vacant for an indefinite period," Sgt Kavanagh said.