Gardai being threatened in attempts to keep lid on Longford’s crime levels

Crime levels in Co Longford are now so grave even members of the Gardai are starting to come under threat from criminals themselves, it has been claimed.

Concerned local resident Valerie Nangle said she cannot leave her home without fear of coming in for some form of abuse or intimidation.

“It is scary being in your own home,” she said.

“I walk every morning and I am still scared after six years to leave my house.”

She also revealed how she had turned down an approach from gardai to testify in court against those suspected of being involved in organised crime for fear of retribution.

To make matters worse, Ms Nangle told the meeting about the difficulties gardai are having to contend with on a daily basis.

“It still boils down to intimidation,” she said.

“Even the police. They (gardai) actually told me they can be intimidated by people.

“That’s what it boils down to at the end of the day.”

For more on this story, see next week’s Longford Leader.