Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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260. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the high number of bicycle thefts within Dublin city; her Department's research on potential strategies to tackle the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45310/14]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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292. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 155 of 17 October 2013, if she will provide a detailed update on bicycle theft prevention initiatives and their efficacy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45311/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 292 together.

An Garda Síochána is proactive in encouraging the public to protect their property, including bicycles, and a range of measures are in place to prevent and tackle the theft of bicycles.

In this regard I am informed by the Garda authorities that a range of operational measures are pursued to combat bicycle theft and to target those who engage in it, and there is ongoing provision by An Garda Síochána of crime prevention information, and awareness raising among the general public and bicycle retailers in relation to bicycle theft.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that analysis is conducted to determine areas of high volume theft and to identify the main offenders for these crimes so that a targeted operational approach is taken to prevention and detection.

The range of measures being pursued by An Garda Síochána include working with bicycle retailers and communities to encourage and promote bicycle registration. In addition, information leaflets on bicycle theft have been circulated and a bicycle sticker campaign has also been operated in areas where bicycles are locked by their owners. Gardaí also provide presentations to Neighbourhood Watch schemes, policing forums, schools, local office complexes and consult with apartment management companies on bicycle security and safety generally.