Paul McGrath
Question:123 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice the crime figures for County Westmeath for (a) 1987, (b) 1988 and (c) 1989; if he will give the figures for the main towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Westmeath Crime Figures.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the numbers of indictable crimes reported in County Westmeath as a whole and in the Garda sub-districts of Mullingar, Athlone, Moate and Kinnegad for the years in question are as follows:
|
1987 |
1988 |
1989 |
|
|
(Provisional figures) |
|||
|
County Westmeath |
1,300 |
1,323 |
1,317 |
|
Garda Sub-Districts |
|||
|
Mullingar |
520 |
422 |
418 |
|
Athlone |
563 |
669 |
700 |
|
Moate |
33 |
36 |
32 |
|
Kinnegad |
29 |
26 |
31 |
As is evident from these figures there has been little variation in the level of reported indictable crime in the county in the years in question. The Garda authorities have informed me that the increase in the level of reported indictable crime in the Athlone sub-district relates mainly to burglary, larceny from vehicles and larceny from shops and that charges have been brought against persons in connection with a significant number of these crimes. The Garda authorities have assured me that the position is being kept under review and that whatever further steps may be appropriate to deal with the situation will be taken.