Assistant Garda Commissioner for Community Engagement Paula Hilman has moved to reassure older and more vulnerable people in light of recent burglaries around the country.
Speaking in Monaghan, Assistant Commissioner Hilman said she understands there may be fear out there, however, she said, burglaries have decreased.
"We know burglaries have decreased and we know that older people are no more likely to be a victim of burglary than any member of society," she said.
"But that said, I very much recognise that there can be that fear of crime and we want to reach out to people to reassure them," she added.
"Gardaí are committed to carrying out thorough investigations and will follow up all lines of enquiries and, if anyone has any information about any burglary, I would ask them to pass that to us," she added.
Assistant Commissioner Hilman was speaking at the launch of a new Age Friendly Initiative in the Cavan and Monaghan Garda Division.
Gardaí are hoping to roll the programme across the country in the coming months.
The aim of the project is to provide older and more vulnerable people, including those living in isolated areas, with crime prevention advice.
They will be given a fridge magnet where they can write their Eircode and a next of kin contact on it should they need it in an emergency.
As part of the initiative, LED candle lights will also be delivered to older people. Age Friendly Ireland is also involved with the project.
Gardaí say they want to build on the relationships they fostered with the older and more vulnerable members of the community during the pandemic.
Catherine McGuigan, National Lead with Age Friendly Ireland, said it is important that communities support older people.
"This is a great initiative. It is really important when we are hearing about different things are happening around the country, that older people are given reassurance," she said.
"It's really important we rally around and that we support each other and now draw attention and make older people feel like they're being singled out."
