Written answers
Wednesday, 17 January 2024
Department of Justice and Equality
Crime Prevention
Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
1112. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of burglaries reported to gardaí, per county, in each of the past ten years, in tabular form. [1518/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics.
The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and makes regular releases in relation to various crime statistics. The most recent statistics were released on 20 December 2023, providing statistics for Recorded Crime for Quarter 3 (Q3) 2023.
The Deputy may wish to know, the latest release from the CSO, showed a significant decrease in burglary and related offences in the year to Q3 2023 which was less than half of incidents recorded in the year to Quarter 2 (Q2) 2019.
This continues the downward trend in burglaries which has been evident since the establishment of Operation Thor in 2015 to tackle burglary and prosecute offenders. One of the main focus areas of Operation Thor is crime prevention through visible, focused patrols at specific times of day, targeting burglary ‘hot-spots’ and also utilising high-visibility check points that prevent ease of movement.
Operation Thor also aims to reduce burglaries by ensuring every burglary is appropriately investigated to the highest possible standard and by monitoring crime data for changes in trends of burglaries, associated crimes and detection rates.
Since Operation Thor was launched in 2015 there has been a 75% reduction in residential burglaries.
The currently ongoing Winter Phase of Operation Thor is designed to tackle burglaries and associated criminal activities, which often increase in the darker winter months, through targeted enforcement and crime prevention activity and information.
Last week alone, Gardaí attached to the DMR North Division, made 34 arrests following a comprehensive policing operation conducted as part of Operation Thor in North Dublin. I understand that 32 of those arrested have been charged with a total of 70 offences including offences for burglary and possession of stolen property.
Figures in respect of Burglary and Related offences by County for years in question can be found on the CSO website at the following link:
data.cso.ie/table/CJQ06
Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
1113. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of stabbings/knife crimes, reported to gardaí, per county, in each of the past ten years, in tabular form. [1519/24]
James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I strongly condemn any use of knives to threaten, intimidate or harm others. The Government, and I as Minister, are committed to ensuring that the problems that we have seen in neighbouring jurisdictions do not repeat themselves here.
As the Deputy will be aware, 'knife crime' is a broad term, which has no official classification in crime statistics compiled by An Garda Síochána and published by the Central Statistics Office.
This is because knives may be used in the commission of many different types of offence, ranging from threats and intimidation, robbery and aggravated burglary to serious assaults and murder. There are many complex, interlinked and variable causes for the use of knives in the commission of offences. As a result, there are no quick-fix solutions to tackling knife crime.
Long term, evidence-based strategies are needed that address knife crime as part of a wider strategic response to anti-social behaviour, street violence, youth offending and domestic violence.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, when considering trends in knife related crime, it is important to look at multiple perspectives to get the complete picture. An Garda Síochána produced a report in February 2021 analysing trends in knife related crime, available at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/analysis-of-knife-related-crime-data-february-2021.pdf
I am advised that an updated report, to end of 2023, is being prepared with a view to publication when complete.
There is also a comprehensive and robust legal framework in place in Ireland with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned with the maximum penalty for possessing a knife in a public place, without good reason or lawful authority, of five years.
In addition, the Government recently doubled the maximum penalty for assault causing harm to 10 years. The offence of assault causing serious harm has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Additionally, the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum, which I chair, is examining a broad range of issues, with a focus on developing measures which will address the factors that give rise to anti-social behaviour and its impact on community morale and quality of life. The causes of anti-social behaviour are multifaceted and complex and include, but are not limited to, addiction, unemployment, social and economic issues.
Members of the Forum are drawn from a number of State agencies, including An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service and key Government Departments, as well as a broad representation of community, business, academic and other experts.
To date, four sub-groups of the Forum have been established to consider specific issues, including knife crime. Similar sub-groups can be established to examine other issues as required. A number of options are being considered including increasing public awareness and the review of sentences for those convicted of certain knife crime offences in Ireland.
No comments