By TOM GILLESPIE

Mayo Alert, in association with victim Support, has been responsible for giving the pendants to vulnerable pensioners throughout the county. The scheme has been so successful that it is now being adopted on a national scale. But the organisers have found that the easiest targets for mobile gangs are often those who do not know about the alert system.

Said Garda PJ Nally, Castlebar, who was responsible for setting up Mayo Alert: "The less well advised people are not taking up the offer of having the panic button installed in their homes. Many of those would be people who live alone since their families have emigrated.

"We would appeal to those overseas with parents at home to encourage them to avail of these security devices."

He said the pendant is worn around the neck and can be used both inside and outside the home and when activated puts the person in contact with a control centre that can raise the alarm in case of emergency.

Garda Nally added: "To the elderly person, having this system is like having company in the house. They feel they are not alone.

"It allows them their privacy and is unobtrusive but help is always at hand for them. It gives them great confidence and the courage to live alone." The project is not means tested and is available to those living alone or with another elderly person.

There is a monitoring fee of 90p per week or £47 a year and a once off contribution of £20 may be made to the project if desired.

It was through his work as a forensic expert that PJ realised the plight of those living alone.

He said: "I met many people who had suffered very severe trauma. It was distressing.

"Through the Mayo Alert scheme they now have an opportunity of protecting themselves and raising the alarm if they become ill or are threatened in any way."

Those interested in contacting Mayo Alert from overseas can ring: + 353 (0) 94 25566.