BUSINESS owners and keyholders in the Letterkenny have snapped up the chance to be briefed by gardai on specific measures to deal with so called "tiger kidnappings"

The move follows a recent spate of such crimes during which the businesses' key holder is often held hostage while another person is forced to collect sums of money from the business premises. Next Tuesday afternoon in the LYIT members of the business community will be briefed by gardai on what security steps and precautions they should be taking.

Speaking to the Donegal News the CEO of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, Joanne Sweeney said the intiative had to be welcomed.

"This proposal came from the gardai so obviously they feel as a border county and a growing town businesses in Letterkenny need to be on the alert. Through or Business Watch network we were able to contact over 300 businesses very quickly and the response was very rapid and strong in support of such a briefing," she said.

SPECIFIC MEASURES

"Tiger kidnappings are very serious crimes and anything we can do to prevent such incidents has to be supported. The Gardai will obviously have specific measures they feel will be helpful. We're appealing to all business owners and keyholders to come along to what should be a very interesting briefing," Ms Sweeney added.

The issue will be discussed during a special meeting between gardai and the Letterkenny Chamber in LYIT next Tuesday afternoon at 2pm.

In recent weeks there has been some verhy high profile 'tiger kidnappings' in the Dublin area. These targeted bank staff and the owners of post offices.