How residents of apartment complex in Newbridge, County Kildare tackled antisocial woes

The residents of the Capella Court apartment complex in Newbridge have detailed to the Leinster Leader how they tackled antisocial behaviour in the area. 

A spokesperson for the residents, who wished to remain anonymous, issued a statement on behalf of the other residents of the complex.

The spokesperson also showed the Leader video footage showing incidences of antisocial behaviour taking place on the premises.

One video recording also shows a male being led into a garda van parked on the premises.

It is understood that at least one incident is being investigated by An Garda Síochána.

When asked by the Leinster Leader about the incidences at Capella Court, a garda spokesperson replied: "Gardaí received a report of an alleged criminal incident at a house in Newbridge, County Kildare on July 24, 2024 at approximately 10pm."

EXPLAINER

The allegations originally made by the residents reads as follows: "For over two years, we have been living in fear due to the disruptive and dangerous activities emanating from one apartment."

"Drug users are not only using but also dealing drugs right in front of our children! This has gone beyond unacceptable.

"Drug fumes have invaded the home of a nine-year-old girl, making her bedroom uninhabitable.

"Our children are witnessing drug transactions happening openly while playing outside.

"Known drug users are forcing their way into our building without any consequences.

"When residents tried to take action, they were met with threats and intimidation from those involved.

"We’ve seen indecent exposure in broad daylight.

"Families are being forced to relocate their children due to fear, while other kids are too scared to play outside."

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IMPROVEMENTS

Fortunately, the residents have indicated that matters have improved recently.

The residents said: "With a strong spirit of collaboration and resilience, we have made significant strides in creating a secure environment for all, particularly for our children.

"In recent months, we have actively engaged with all stakeholders, including local authorities, housing organizations, and property management, to address our community’s needs.

"Our collective efforts have fostered a renewed sense of unity and purpose; through the implementation of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies, we are transforming our neighborhood into a safer and more welcoming space.

"This approach emphasizes the importance of community involvement in crime prevention and has empowered us to reclaim our public areas, ensuring they are safe for all residents."

WHAT IS CPTED?

The spokesperson for the residents explained that CPTED is built on four main strategies:

• "Natural Surveillance: This involves designing spaces to maximize visibility and sightlines. By ensuring that public areas are well-lit and open, residents and passersby can observe activities, making it more difficult for potential criminals to operate unnoticed. Features like windows, pathways, and landscaping can be arranged to enhance visibility.
• "Natural Access Control: This strategy focuses on controlling access to a space through design elements that guide people in and out of an area. This can be achieved with features like gates, fences, and well-defined entrances. By limiting access points and clearly marking public and private spaces, potential offenders may be deterred from entering.
• "Territorial Reinforcement: This concept encourages a sense of ownership and community pride in public spaces. By clearly defining boundaries with physical markers, such as fences or signage, residents can create a sense of territory, making it clear that a space is cared for and monitored. This can foster community involvement and discourage criminal activity. 
• "Maintenance: A well-maintained environment signals that a community is active and concerned about its surroundings. Regular upkeep, such as landscaping, graffiti removal, and repairing broken fixtures, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of an area but also communicates that residents are engaged and vigilant, which can deter potential criminal activity."

They added: "CPTED emphasizes the importance of community involvement and collaboration among residents, law enforcement, and local organizations to create safer environments.

"By integrating these strategies into urban planning and community design, CPTED aims to reduce crime and enhance the overall quality of life for residents."

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The spokesperson added that the residents wished to thank the following for their assistance: An Garda Síochána, Kildare County Council, the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority and the management of Capella Court.

In particular, the spokesperson also said that the residents wished to express their 'heartfelt gratitude' to one local representative — Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender: "We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cllr Chris Pender for his unwavering support and dedication to our community.

"His commitment has been instrumental in helping us access the resources we need to promote safety and well-being."

They also said: "Residents have also been actively participating in community meetings and initiatives, fostering a supportive network that prioritizes the safety of our families.

"Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community where everyone can feel secure and valued.

"As we move forward, we remain dedicated to maintaining open lines of communication with all stakeholders and continuing our collaborative efforts.

"Our community spirit is alive and well, and we are excited about the positive changes taking place in Capella Court!"

Cllr Chris Pender added:  "My work with the residents of Capella Court has been focused on providing them with the support and tools they needed to make real changes in their community.

"From the outset, we concentrated on practical steps, such as introducing CPTED principles, that could directly improve safety and foster community spirit.

"By working alongside the residents, we identified key areas that needed attention and provided the resources and guidance to address these issues effectively."

He continued: "The real credit goes to the residents who took these ideas and ran with them.

"They’ve shown incredible initiative in organising, participating in meetings, and implementing these strategies to make their neighbourhood a safer place.

"This collaboration has not only improved security but also strengthened the community’s sense of unity and shared purpose.

"My role has been to support these efforts every step of the way, ensuring that the residents have what they need to succeed.

"I’m committed to continuing this work with the community, helping to sustain the positive changes we’ve achieved together."

Cllr Pender concluded: "Capella Court is a great example of what can be accomplished when residents are empowered to take charge of their own safety and wellbeing."

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender (File photograph).