Vol. 549 No. 3
365 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received complaints in respect of business people and traders being intimidated by numbers of persons entering their premises and carrying on in an intimidatory manner; if his attention has been drawn to the deep concern being felt by those so affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6663/02]
My Department has from time to time received complaints of the type referred to by the Deputy. I can, of course, fully appreciate the seriousness of such activity, and I urge anyone suffering such intimidation to seek assistance from local gardaí. Local gardaí will also be happy to advise business people on crime prevention.
The Garda authorities disseminate a comprehensive range of crime prevention advice to the business community on an ongoing basis. This is done, both in person through the crime prevention officers attached to each Garda division, who carry out crime prevention surveys of public and private properties throughout the country, and through the Garda Síochána's booklet, A Guide to Retail Security. Further support is available from the Garda national crime prevention unit based at Harcourt Square, Dublin.
