Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Crime and the tackling of crime in our society is a huge concern for everyone. There is no doubt that crime has become both more prevalent and more extreme. In the last number of months in Dublin, warring gangs have committed a succession of vicious murders. In rural Ireland there are continuing incidents of burglary and destruction of property. The reaction of people on the ground is one of upset, distress, anger, and vulnerability. Garda numbers are down in Dublin. There is no doubt that this affects crime. We need to face up to the fact that if gardaí are to keep our communities safe then the resource issue has to be acknowledged and resolved. There are serious fears about the ability of An Garda Síochána to provide the standard of policing demanded by the public. These concerns have also been expressed by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors. That is the backdrop and environment against which crime is increasing.

I have received numerous reports from residents in my own constituency about the increase in burglaries. Crime prevention and safety in the home is a huge issue among residents in Dublin Bay North. Figures from Coolock Garda station show that burglary and related offences were up by 13% in 2015 and have risen steadily in the last five years. Raheny Garda station has released figures showing that reports of incidents of assault causing harm are up 25% in 2016. There is no doubt that this is a result of the decision to starve our communities of Garda resources. Citizens have noticed that there are fewer gardaí on the streets, call-out times take longer and in some situations residents do not hear anything back. People noticed this as they watched while gardaí were used as a private security force to protect the installation of water meters.

In conjunction with increasing Garda numbers and the reopening of Garda stations, a genuine effort is also needed to investigate white collar crime.

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