Dáil debates

Wednesday, 2 May 2012

4:00 pm

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality who has had to attend the Seanad. He welcomes this opportunity to comment on recently published crime figures.

The crime statistics overview published this week by the CSO relates to the period 2006 to 2010 and includes a range of additional information not included in previous releases. These figures cover the period in office of the past two Fianna Fáil-led Governments. The most recent crime figures relate to 2011, which were published by the CSO on 30 March last. These most recent statistics show a decrease in most types of crime during 2011, including homicide, assault, criminal damage, drug and public order offences. Taken together, this overall decrease represents a substantial achievement for law enforcement and crime prevention.

The Minister is concerned at the increase in the number of burglaries reflected in the latest CSO figures and welcomes the fact that An Garda Síochána is responding effectively to this development. In so far as the specific question of detection rates is concerned, the most recent CSO analysis shows a detection rate for burglary in the region of 25% for 2010. It is important to note detection rates vary according to the nature of the crime which is in line with international experience. Detection rates are often found to be lower for certain offences such as burglaries and some other property crimes as these generally only come to light after the event and after the offender has left the scene. These offences are inherently more difficult to investigate than some others. While our statistical system is not directly comparable with that of other countries such as the UK, for example, the difficulties presented in detecting burglaries are reflected in the fact that the detection rate for burglaries in England and Wales in 2010-2011 was recorded as 13%.

Notwithstanding the investigative challenges presented, however, the Garda is responding effectively. The Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner has recently announced the introduction of a wide range of measures aimed at tackling gangs involved in burglaries. This operation, Operation Fiacla, is particularly focused on identifying and targeting mobile gangs involved in burglaries throughout the country so as to disrupt their activities and bring them before the courts. Operation Fiacla is intelligence-driven and specific burglary initiatives have been implemented in each Garda region in support of this operation to target suspect offenders, disrupt their activities and secure their attendance before the courts. These initiatives will optimise the use of existing structures and local Garda management will ensure all personnel, community policing units, local traffic forces, regional support and other specialised units are fully briefed on the initiative, with divisional crime management teams playing a key role in co-ordinating implementation.

Prevention is also a key component in tackling burglary and the national crime prevention unit, NCPU, and crime prevention officers at divisional level provide advice, information and support to organisations, businesses and individuals aimed at reducing burglary crime and the opportunity to commit burglary. These specially trained officers are skilled at identifying environmental design risks and advise on ways to reduce opportunities to commit burglary and other property crime. The NCPU has designed a number of crime prevention advice leaflets, including advice on home security and burglary prevention through a step-by-step checklist. These leaflets and the checklist are available on the Garda website.

Today the Garda Commissioner is launching the national Garda Supporting Safer Communities Campaign. This important campaign will highlight a range of key issues, in particular burglary prevention. The primary objective of this campaign is to engage with and raise awareness within communities of initiatives aimed at preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime and promoting community safety. In addition to the campaign being launched today, a further campaign will take place in September. In addition to these community-based initiatives, the "Crime Call" television programme is broadcast once a month to an average audience of 400,000 viewers. Gardaí often utilise the programme to highlight the issue of burglary prevention, as well as particular ongoing investigations. The Government will do everything we can to support the gardaí in their work, provide resources as public finances permit and respond to any legislative needs that are identified. I thank the Deputy for raising the issue.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.