The Garda authorities inform me that they are aware of the concerns of the residents of Lucan in relation to crime in general and so-called "joyriding" in particular in the area. They also inform me that they have taken a number of measures in order to combat crime in the area, the perpetrators of which were, in many instances, from outside the locality. These measures include the operation of extra patrols and the provision of extra Gardaí from other districts to augment local patrols if considered necessary. The Garda authorities report that the measures taken have proved to be very successful and the incidence of "joy-riding" in the areas concerned has been reduced significantly in the past six weeks.
The manpower at Lucan station has increased from 42 in 1990 to its current strength of 49. One patrol car, one community policing van, one motorcycle and one unmarked car are assigned to the station. Six members of the force are employed as community gardaí in the Lucan area. They have a good relationship with the many active tenant associations there. In addition, there are 33 neighbourhood watch schemes operating successfully throughout the Lucan area.
The Garda authorities inform me that they are confident the measures taken will reduce the level of crime in Lucan but they intend to continue to monitor the policing arrangements for the Lucan sub-District. The needs of Lucan will be fully considered when extra manpower next becomes available.
