Members of a local community in Laois have been left shaken following a serious incident which happened last night.
According to Sinn Fein Local Area Representative, Aaron Kelly, an attempted armed robbery occurred in Graiguecullen.
Mr Kelly, who ran for the party in the 2024 Local Election, reported that the incident happened in the Graiguecullen area near St Clare’s Church.
He says that a masked individual reportedly entered a family garden and was preparing to enter a home where a lady was home alone, while armed with a knife.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 5.45pm on Tuesday evening, has left a local family badly shaken.
Mr Kelly says it highlights the very real fear now being felt by many residents across Graiguecullen and wider Laois communities.
He says that only the timely arrival and quick reaction of family members prevented what could have been a far more serious outcome.
Mr Kelly said: “This is a shocking and deeply unsettling incident that has understandably left a family traumatised and an entire community on edge.
“Unfortunately, it reflects what many people in Graiguecullen and across Laois are telling me regularly – that crime and anti-social behaviour are on the rise, and people no longer feel safe in their own homes.”
An Garda Síochána have been notified and are currently seeking CCTV and doorbell footage from nearby homes.
Mr Kelly said: “I am urging anyone with relevant footage or information to come forward and assist the investigation.
“Community cooperation is vital, but it cannot replace the need for adequate Garda resources, visible policing, and preventative measures.
“People should not have to rely on luck or quick reactions to stay safe.
“I am urging residents to take practical precautions where possible.
“People should ensure doors and windows are locked, both at home and in their vehicles, as we have also seen a spate of burglaries in the past few months around Graiguecullen and Killeshin.
“Please look out for elderly neighbours or those who are more vulnerable in your locality also.
“While it is deeply regrettable to have to say this, it is a necessary step given the level of fear many families are experiencing.
“In addition, I am calling for urgent action from Laois and Carlow County Councils in relation to street lighting around Graigue, particularly in areas where lighting is poor or inadequate.
“Dark streets and poorly lit estates create opportunities for criminal behaviour and heighten fear among residents.
“I am calling on both Laois and Carlow County Councils to work together to urgently identify lighting blackspots in Graiguecullen and to act without delay.
“I have launched my own public street lighting survey on my social media accounts this morning and will be sharing the results with the Councils to help identify areas of concern around public lighting in Graigue.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home and community.
“I will continue to raise these concerns with the relevant authorities and push for increased Garda visibility, improved lighting, and real action to tackle crime before someone is seriously harmed.”
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity immediately to Gardai.
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