Mahon Point Shopping Centre: Cork Resident Urged to Avoid Area

Mahon Point Breacher Gets Final Chance to Stay Away

A young man who repeatedly violated court orders to stay away from Mahon Point shopping center and adjacent commercial areas has been granted a last opportunity to avoid jail.

Martin keenan, 20, of 7 Meelagh view, Mahon, Cork, had never been in custody before. He described the experience as “very hard” and pleaded for a final chance from the court.

Sergeant John Kelleher detailed Keenan’s persistent offenses in and around Mahon Point, including verbal abuse, threats, and assaults on security staff. “This man has gone back and back and back; this has gone on for years,” Sergeant Kelleher stated.

Judge Mary Dorgan expressed her frustration, stating, “What is going on in Mahon Point has to stop.” She opted to postpone sentencing to observe Keenan’s behavior over the summer, with a review scheduled for September.

One incident on May 3rd involved Keenan stealing two Happy Meals from McDonald’s at mahon Point. He then assaulted the manager who attempted to intervene, knocking him onto a table.

Further offenses included assaulting a Tesco store manager at Mahon Point on June 28th by kicking him in the hand. Several othre instances of threatening staff where also noted.

Judge Dorgan also highlighted a shoplifting incident where Keenan took a €2.65 can of Monster drink from Tesco without paying.She commented on the disproportionate trouble caused by such minor offenses.

“This underlines the annoying part of this offending,” she said. “This is a can of Monster,valued €2.65, but look at all the trouble it puts the shop to, the guards to, the court to. He has to work on victim empathy.”

Solicitor Frank Buttimer informed the court that Keenan has strong support from his wife and mother, who have attended all recent hearings. His father was also present in court today.

While Keenan received a suspended two-month sentence for one theft and other penalties, sentencing for the assault and threatening charges was adjourned.Judge Dorgan warned him that any return to Mahon Point, including its car parks, during the summer could result in notable jail time if sentences are made consecutive.

The matter is set for review in September.

What safety measures are shoppers advised to take when visiting mahon Point shopping Center?

Mahon Point Shopping Centre: Cork Residents Urged to avoid Area

Current Situation & Safety Concerns

Reports are circulating advising Cork residents to avoid the Mahon Point Shopping Centre area due to ongoing issues with anti-social behavior. While the exact nature of these incidents varies, consistent reports point to increased instances of disruptive groups, especially during evening hours. This has prompted calls for increased security and a more visible Garda presence. The situation is evolving, and updates are crucial for those planning to visit the shopping centre or travel through the area.

Reported Incidents at Mahon Point

Recent weeks have seen a noticeable uptick in reported incidents, including:

Public Order Offences: Several reports detail disturbances involving groups engaging in disruptive behaviour, causing alarm to shoppers and staff.

Minor Theft & Vandalism: Increased reports of shoplifting and minor acts of vandalism within the shopping centre and surrounding car parks.

Aggressive Behaviour: Accounts of intimidating behaviour directed towards members of the public, though serious physical assaults remain rare.

Vehicle Interference: Reports of attempted break-ins and damage to vehicles in the Mahon Point car parks.

These incidents are primarily concentrated during peak evening hours, particularly Friday and saturday nights. local Gardaí are actively monitoring the situation and responding to calls, but residents are being advised to exercise caution.

Impact on Shoppers & Businesses

The escalating issues are understandably impacting both shoppers and businesses at Mahon Point.

Reduced Footfall: some shoppers are choosing to avoid the centre, particularly during evenings, leading to a decrease in footfall for retailers.

Business Concerns: Businesses are expressing concerns about the safety of their staff and customers, and the potential for financial losses due to reduced trade.

Increased Security Costs: Retailers are considering increasing their own private security measures, adding to operational costs.

Community Anxiety: The situation is causing anxiety within the local community,with residents expressing concerns about their safety.

Garda Response & Security Measures

An Garda Síochána are aware of the concerns and have increased patrols in the Mahon Point area.

Increased Garda Presence: Visible policing has been stepped up, particularly during peak times.

Operation Focus: Gardaí are conducting targeted operations to address anti-social behaviour and public order offences.

Collaboration with Mahon Point Management: Close collaboration with Mahon Point management to enhance security measures within the centre.

Community Engagement: Gardaí are engaging with local community groups to address concerns and gather details.

Mahon Point Shopping Centre management has also implemented additional security measures, including:

Increased Security Personnel: More security staff have been deployed throughout the centre and car parks.

CCTV Monitoring: Enhanced CCTV monitoring to deter and detect incidents.

Improved Lighting: Improvements to lighting in car parks and surrounding areas.

Alternative Shopping Options in Cork

For those seeking alternative shopping experiences in Cork, several options are available:

City Centre Shopping: Cork City Centre offers a wide range of retail outlets, including Patrick Street, St. Patrick’s Street and the English Market.

Ballincollig Shopping Centre: Located in Ballincollig, this centre provides a convenient shopping experience with a variety of stores.

Douglas Village Shopping Centre: Situated in Douglas, this centre offers a mix of retail and dining options.

Online Shopping: Consider online retailers for a convenient and safe shopping experience.

Practical Tips for Visiting Mahon Point (If Necessary)

If you must visit Mahon point Shopping Centre, consider these safety tips:

Travel in Groups: Whenever possible, travel with friends or family.

Park in Well-Lit Areas: Park your vehicle in well-lit areas close to the shopping centre entrances.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to security or Gardaí.

Avoid Peak Times: If possible, avoid visiting the centre during peak evening hours.

Keep Valuables Secure: Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

* Utilize Security Escort: If you feel unsafe, ask security personnel for an escort to your vehicle.

Real-World Example: Similar Issues in Other Retail Parks

Similar issues with anti-social behaviour have been reported in other retail parks across Ireland. Such as, the Citywest Shopping centre in Dublin experienced a period of increased incidents in 2023, leading to similar calls for increased security and Garda presence. This highlights the need for proactive measures to address anti-social behaviour in retail environments. The learnings from these cases are being applied to the current situation at Mahon Point.