Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

352. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the strategies the Garda is using to combat break-ins in Dublin 17 and the selling of stolen goods to gold shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52522/13]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in the Coolock Garda District and that local Garda management closely monitor the incidence of burglary in the area and put in place appropriate responses. In that regard I am further informed that Garda data shows a decrease in burglaries in the Coolock Garda District, which includes Dublin 17, in line with the national trend. As the Deputy may be aware the latest crime statistics show that the rate of burglary has decreased by 8.9% nationally for twelve months ending 30 June 2013 and this underlines the impact being made by Gardaí under Operation Fiacla. As part of the measures which are coordinated under Operation Fiacla, Operation Acer is in force throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region, including Coolock. It is an intelligence driven operation and includes analysis led checkpoints and patrols to target specific areas and case manage targeted offenders. These arrangements are kept under review to ensure adjustments are made to maintain the effective focus of the operation.

Operation Acer operates alongside ongoing community policing measures, including problem solving with the community and providing crime prevention advice and assistance to victims of burglary. In this regard I am advised that a recent crime prevention leaflet drop in the area has been well received in the community.There is also full engagement with local Neighbourhood Watch and other community groups in the area.

Insofar as the question of the sale of stolen gold as referred to by the Deputy is concerned, I am informed by the Garda authorities that, where outlets or businesses trading in gold are identified, Gardaí conduct enquiries to establish their bona fides, and where there are suspicions of criminality the matter is fully investigated and the appropriate action taken. The Deputy will also be aware that in June 2012 I published a report on the criminal justice aspects of the cash for gold trade. The Report prepared by my Department is available on www.justice.ie. I requested the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence to consider the content of the report, to ensure that it obtains the views of all relevant interested parties and that it makes such report and recommendations to the Houses of the Oireachtas and to Government as it deems proportionate and appropriate in the public interest. I received the Committee's response on 30 May 2013, and it is currently under consideration.