Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the spate of larceny in the south Galway area, in particular the theft of car livestock trailers; the number that have been reported missing to the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8354/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that incidents of theft of livestock trailers in the South Galway area are the subject of ongoing Garda investigations. One person has been arrested, and an investigation file is being prepared for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Local Garda management has directed frequent mobile patrols by uniformed and plain clothes personnel, supplemented by the Divisional Traffic Corps and Task Force Units, in the area concerned. In addition, close liaison is maintained with adjoining Divisions, including the exchange of information and intelligence gathered during such patrols. All operations and initiatives are reviewed on a regular basis and adjusted as local circumstances dictate.

In addition, local Garda management have undertaken a number of initiatives, under Operation Anvil, targeting criminals travelling through the Division. These include additional patrolling of identified isolated locations and targeted checkpoints, involving uniformed and armed plain-clothes personnel, at strategic locations. Crime prevention and security advice is also provided by the Divisional Crime Prevention Officer who makes regular presentations to various community-based groups, including Community Alert groups and meetings of the Irish Farmers Association. These presentations address local matters including crime prevention and security advice, particularly in respect of farm equipment, valuable livestock and trailers. Local media outlets area are also utilised to provide crime prevention advice, as well as requests for witnesses to come forward.