Deputy Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan has said people must try to overcome their fear of intimidation by criminals and help gardaí win the battle against crime in both rural and urban areas.
Mr Callinan was speaking in Limerick where he formally re-launched the Neighbourhood Watch programme.
The scheme was first introduced 21 years ago in a bid to reduce crime in towns and cities.
Mr Callinan admitted there were problems of drug taking and anti social behaviour in many areas of the State, not just Limerick, but said he believed that the new Neighbourhood Watch scheme would contribute to tackling such issues.
He said he could understand that some people might feel intimidated, but said the programme could build a new sense of shared partnership in tackling crime.
Mayor of Limerick Ger Fahy also welcomed the re-launch of the scheme. He conceded that Limerick was a city which had problems but said it was not trying to sweep them under the carpet.
He said Limerick was no different to any other city and it was trying to address its problems in a positive manner.