asked the Minister for Justice the total number of car thefts reported in County Kildare for the three months ended 15 February 1989; whether this represents an increase/decrease on the same period last year; if he will name the towns or villages affected; if he has any plans to deal with the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Kildare Car Thefts.
33.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 41 offences relating to the stealing of cars or the taking of cars without the owners consent were recorded in County Kildare for the three-month period ended 15 February 1989. This represented a decrease of four on the figure for the corresponding period ended 15 February 1988. The towns involved were Naas, Kill, Clane, Maynooth, Celbridge, Newbridge, Athy and Castledermot.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that a number of measures have been taken to deal with this problem. Garda foot and mobile patrols in the areas concerned have been intensified. Crime prevention advice is being given to car owners at every opportunity in an effort to ensure that vehicles are locked and made as secure as possible when left unattended and advice of this nature is also disseminated to participants in neighbourhood watch schemes. A number of persons have been charged in connection with some of the offences I have referred to.