Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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114. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the action he is taking to help reduce the number of bicycles that are stolen. [24201/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that matters such as this are operational issues for the Garda Commissioner.

However, I am advised by the Garda authorities that a crime prevention initiative entitled “Operation Chain” was put in place by local Garda Management in the Pearse Street Garda District, and is a targeted intelligence led operation focusing on pedal cycle theft.  The initiative includes inter-agency co-operation with Dublin City Council and interested third parties, such as Dublin Cycling Campaign. 

I am further advised that An Garda Síochána has a number of “bait” bikes which are deployed at hot spot locations throughout the South Inner City by the Community Policing Unit. 

I understand that when these bicycles are deployed they are kept under surveillance by members of An Garda Síochána.  The bicycles are locked in prominent positions and when attempt is made to steal the bicycle, the members intercept the offender, arrest and detain them and recover the bicycle.  During detention, follow up enquiries are conducted which may include liaison with online retailers to ascertain if the individual has been involved in sale of bicycles on line and follow up searchers where warranted.

I am informed that between March 2017 and March 2018 bait bikes were deployed on 50 occasions with 16 persons arrested in connection with these deployments.

- 6 cases are before the Courts,

- 3 cases are still awaiting JLO recommendations,

- 7 cases are now finalised with outcomes,

- 3 persons received the Probation Act,

- 2 persons had charges taken into consideration,

- 1 person given community service,

- 1 person received an adult caution.

I am assured that Garda Management are continuously monitoring crime trends and hot spots to ensure intelligence led operations are put in place to target crimes of this nature.