Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will talk about the issue of the dangerous and criminal antisocial behaviour relating to stolen cars. Recent Garda numbers indicate that in the first three months of this year alone, more than 1,300 private cars and vehicles were stolen. That is a 21% increase on last year in just the first three months of this year. It is an upsetting thing for anyone to have any of their property stolen, tampered with or damaged, but it is also an incredibly dangerous activity that is undermining safety in our communities. Some 38% of the vehicles stolen were stolen in residential areas. People park their cars near their homes, expecting their vehicles to be there when they come back, but they are gone.

It is an issue of real concern in communities throughout the country. In the community where I live, Dublin Central, I commend the residents who work with the Garda. In Drumcondra, the Iona and District Residents Association has re-established a neighbourhood watch to engage and work with the Garda. The Cabra Community Policing Forum, of which I am a founding director, has gone as far as not just talking to other stakeholders in the community but trying to engage with parents and young people. The Garda has indicated there is a trend in the stealing of second-hand imported vehicles. Some of these vehicles are more easily adapted for joyriding, for want of a better word. It is an incredibly dangerous activity, most importantly for the young people who engage in it. It can put their lives at risk and can lead to criminal prosecutions.

I commend the Cabra Community Policing Forum, and all the residents and communities, that are engaging with the Garda to try to tackle this issue. I encourage all communities throughout the country to be vigilant.