There’s a call for CCTV in Marlay Park’s car park after reports of increased crime.
A local, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Dublin Gazette that cars are being broken into and the problem is getting worse.
She said: “There seems to have been a decent amount of robberies around the car parks, and damage caused.
“Car windows have been smashed in and locks tampered with as they try to gain entry to the car.
“In the last few months it seems to have gotten slightly worse, with attacks taking place during the day while people are walking through the parks or at the playground or all-weather pitches.”
She told us of one particular incident where an older local lady was left shaken after having her car windows smashed.
“[The woman] had her car lock tampered with, and then her rear passenger window was smashed as well.
“While nothing was actually taken, she was incredibly shaken, and said she was afraid to go out to the park or driving by herself now as she was an older lady.
“She also told me how her husband came with her to the park after the incident and sat in the car while she went for a walk, and he told her how he could notice people were watching the car as she left.”
She added that action needs to be taken to stop this behaviour.
“The lady told Dublin Gazette that the park rangers told her there’s only CCTV around Marlay House, while there’s no CCTV on either car park.
“If this is becoming an increasing problem, there definitely needs to be CCTV put on the car parks.
“The car parks are big enough that even if there isn’t CCTV, there should be someone monitoring them.
“From the best of my knowledge, there aren’t noticeable signs saying that cars are left at the owner’s risk or something similar. Coming into summer as the park gets used more, they need to look into this seriously.”
Local Councillor Emma Murphy told Dublin Gazette that security at Marlay Park needs to be looked at.
“I am aware of the reports of incidents concerning Marley Park and security in the park. Many residents of Rathfarnham use Marley Park daily – it is a vibrant active crucial amenity for the community.
“As Marley Park comes under the remit of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and as I represent Rathfarnham on South Dublin County Council, I have made contact with my Fianna Fáil colleagues in the DLRCC area and have asked them to put forward proposals for CCTV.
“I would urge for a concerted effort on the issue as the park is critical to the safety and well-being of local residents and visitors also,” Cllr Murphy added.
When asked if they have heard of the reports or will CCTV in the car parks will be looked at, a spokesperson for the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council told Dublin Gazette they have not received any reports in relation to this.
