The North Donegal Community Network (NDCN) and An Garda Síochána have joined forces to roll out a new ‘Community Safety Campaign’ across North Donegal targeting the real threat to public safety of Cyber-crime, scams and fraud, and to promote public awareness on the issue.
Sergeant Rory Harrison who is a forensic and a computer science expert with the Gardaí is leading out on the initiative under the direction of Superintendent David Kelly in response to the increase in the number of cyber-crimes being reported by people in Donegal.
Chairperson of NDCN, Benny Trearty said: “Cyber-crimes can affect people from all ages, backgrounds and professions. The scammers will try and take money from anyone.
“They are experts at what they do and are targeting good people in a multitude of ways. They really don’t care who you are if they can profit from what they do.”
NDCN have worked with An Garda Síochána to pilot three ‘Staying Safe Online’ events in Termon, Dunfanaghy and Cranford during May 2019, taking a lead on the issue on behalf of communities across North Donegal.
The talks cover a variety of issues including credit-card fraud, malware, phishing, password fraud, hacking, data breaches, online exploitation, identity theft, ransom and impersonation.
NDCN community representative James Trearty added: “We believe that keeping the community informed about the different types of crimes and tactics used is critical.
“Crime is crime, it’s just that criminals are now using different tactics online. There should be no fear in the public’s mind and the public are encouraged to report any form of crime to An Garda Síochána whether online or otherwise.
“An Garda Síochána’s main concern is about public safety online and about fraud prevention. We are responding to the ever-increasing range of tactics used by criminals online.
“Our approach to public protection focuses on education, awareness and prevention. This is the focus of the talks, how to protect you and your family online. Parents will find these talks of huge benefit.”
The final in the series of the pilot talks is on this Monday night 20th May in Cranford Community Centre at 8pm.
All are welcome so please feel free to come along on the evening.
