Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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585. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if gardaí will act and increase patrols especially for the elderly in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [1335/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in the Raheny Garda District. Local Garda management is aware of current crime levels in respect of burglary offences in the area concerned and closely monitor the allocation of resources in the context of these trends, as well as other policing needs to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

I am further informed that Garda data shows a decrease in burglaries in the Raheny District, 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 10.4% nationally for the twelve months ending 30 September 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 Raheny. 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 local communities and ongoing liaison with schools, businesses and households in providing crime prevention advice and assistance to victims of burglary.