Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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966. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures An Garda Síochána are taking to curb the increase in robberies involving rifling through cars or breaking into them, across Dublin West; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46615/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operational and investigative policing matters. As Minister I have no role in these matters and cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation to such matters.

The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.

To be of assistance to the Deputy I have requested an update from Garda authorities in relation to the issue she has raised. I can inform the Deputy that Gardaí in the DMR West have implemented a number of measures in response to the targeting of cars in the Division. Blanchardstown Community Engagement Functional Area (CEFA) have recently held a "lock up light up" day where crime advice was provided to members of the public at high footfall areas. This crime prevention advice related to home security.

Advice was also given in relation to securing your vehicle and ensuring that valuables were not left in plain sight. Increased patrols were conducted throughout the Christmas period in an attempt to tackle antisocial crime including car break-ins.

I can further inform the Deputy that theft from vehicles reported to An Garda Síochána in the Clondalkin Community Engagement Functional Area vary in their locations with incidents reported in residential areas, industrial estates and car parks.

Garda authorities advise that the majority of incidents appear to be opportunistic in nature, whereby culprits canvass certain areas and target unlocked vehicles and/or vehicles which may display valuables. Patrols by uniform Garda members are carried out in such areas, especially in public parks and adjoining car parks. Community Policing Units attend Resident’s Association meetings and provide crime prevention advice to attendees with regards to personal safety and property safety.

Finally, I can inform the Deputy that Lucan Community Engagement Functional Area (CEFA) has established a new resource unit with two specific objectives; to target antisocial behaviour during the daytime and early evening, and to target property crime including Burglary and Theft from vehicles during night time hours.

Additional plainclothes and uniform units are on patrol in the Lucan CEFA every night and conduct proactive patrols and checkpoints to prevent and detect crime. In the period of 1 January 24 to 31 December 2024, 2656 proactive patrols and 852 proactive checkpoints were conducted.