John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

431. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on recent incidents of burglary in the Glasnevin north area; if there is a proposal for further community policing, Garda foot patrols or a text alert scheme in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1246/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

An Garda Síochána pursue a range of strategies to tackle burglary crime, including in particular the coordinated national strategy under Operation Fiacla. This was introduced in early 2012 and has had considerable success. As of the end of December 2014, 11,688 persons have been arrested, and charges have been brought against 6,711 persons under Operation Fiacla.

In the Dublin area, Operation Fiacla is supported by Operation Acer. While there has been an increase in recorded incidents of burglary in Dublin last year, this has taken place following previous success on foot of Operation Acer, including a recorded 5% reduction in 2013.To respond to the recent increase and so as to ensure the continued effectiveness of the operation, new operational responses have been put in place. Particular criminal groups have been identified as playing a large part in the recent increase and these groups are being targeted by An Garda Síochána in a cohesive way in co-operation with other criminal justice agencies. A further and related operation, Operation Creeper, assists in the surveillance of Acer targets by monitoring their movements. As a result of the recent burglary increase in Dublin, this Operation has been tasked solely with targeting burglary suspects and several Acer targets have been arrested as a result.

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the situation in the specific area referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the report is to hand.