James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps that he is taking to prevent metal theft from public places such as parks, roadsides and church grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49016/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána is very much aware of the increase in the theft of metal and is targeting such crime, as well as burglaries and theft-related crimes generally, through a number of initiatives. Garda Divisional Officers have been advised of measures which can be put in place to prevent and reduce the opportunity for such crime, involving relevant external stakeholders where appropriate. Crime Prevention officers are also engaged in providing advice to members of the public, businesses and other organisations, including in the context of the locations referred to by the Deputy.

Tackling such crime requires a collaborative effort and targeted multi-agency response. Following an analysis of crime trends, An Garda Síochána has established a metal theft forum involving stakeholders particularly affected by this type of crime, including the Irish Farmers' Association, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers association, the Electricity Supply Board, telecoms, transport companies, brewing concerns and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. A Metal Theft Crime Prevention and Reduction Plan is at an advanced stage of development following discussion with the metal theft forum. I look forward to the outcome of this process so that a properly considered and strategic response can be put in place, to supplement the existing crime prevention and detection operations which An Garda Síochána have in place to tackle this type of crime.