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An official garda page has criticised members of the public who alert others to checkpoints telling them they're helping criminals.

Meath Crime Prevention is reiterating to the public that posting checkpoint locations online could lead to burglars escaping or drunk drivers causing deaths.

The page, which is run by gardai, has asked "who are you really protecting?" and gave reasons why the practice shouldn't be done.

They wrote: "Everybody has an opinion on posting the locations of check points and speed vans online.

"Here is my reason why you should not do this.

"Criminals who have just broken into a premises and stolen the Christmas presents or valuables, have just escaped thanks to you.

"Then you have a person who has had a bit too much to drink... Your actions have stopped them getting caught. Imagine the next time they go out and get drunk they could end up killing themselves or someone else.

"I wonder how would you feel then.

"Then you have the uninsured drivers avoiding the checkpoint because of your alerts? You may be the very person giving out about your insurance premiums being so high and you wonder why......there are many other reasons why you shouldn't post checkpoint locations; so the next time you decide to do a post think about who your are really protecting???"