Suggestions that elderly people could be given the chance to arm themselves with items such as pepper spray or taser guns have been downplayed.
Independent TD Michael FItzmaurice is calling for those over the age of 60 to be allowed protect themselves in this way, in reponse to the growing number of aggrevated burglaries in rural areas.
But a member of Clare’s Joint Policing Committee believes community-led patrols would be far more effective, as Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports:
With daylight dwindling during the winter months, there’s often increasing fear among many living in rural areas that their home will be targetted by criminals.
There has also been a high number of cases in recent years of older people tied up or beaten in their homes.
Now, a member of the Rural Alliance wants to see those over the age of 60 given the right to arm themselves with the likes of taser guns and peeper spray, in an effort to deter would-be thieves.
Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has told Clare FM’s Morning Focus it’s high time that victims are given the right to take their fortune into their own hands.
The Department of Justice appears to have dismissed the proposal, so too has Clare’s Independent TD, who has described it as a “radical” move.
Dr Michael Harty doesn’t believe that arming the elderly would be sensible.
Sixmilebridge Councillor Alan O’Callaghan, who himself has spoken of being a victim of crime, believes that arming the elderly could lead to the innocent becoming harmed.
Deputy Fitzmaurice has also advocated community-led patrols, and the Fianna Fáil Councillor, who’s a member of Clare’s Joint Policing Committee believes that could be a better deterrant.
