Bernard J. Durkan
Question:92 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she has satisfied herself that the level of stolen property recovered is sufficient to deter thieving and robbery; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Recovery of Stolen Property.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:94 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has to ensure a higher rate of recovery of stolen property, a higher detection rate of serious crime and appropriate resources to deal with the problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 94 together.
Dealing with crime in a rapidly changing society is not an easy task but, as the House is aware, it is a task which I, with the backing of the Government, am determined to tackle. In the Dáil on Tuesday in response to a Fine Gael Motion on crime, lawlessness and vandalism I dealt comprehensively with all aspects of the crime problem including the strategies and measures taken and the resources devoted to deal with the problem.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that both routine and specialist Garda units are always alert to the problem of crimes against property and particular attention is paid to residential areas and business premises which may be subjected to criminal activity. However, the community itself also has an important role to play in preventing this type of crime. To this end the Garda Síochána, and in particular the Garda Community Relations Section, continue to enlist the help of the community to protect property and advise people not to purchase property from unofficial outlets. The Garda authorities are actively involved in the promotion of crime prevention measures and encourage the use by the public of property marking. The benefits of property marking cannot be underestimated as marked property is much easier to trace and therefore less attractive to criminals.
I am satisfied that the Garda response to the problem of crime is proving successful. The crime situation is being kept under constant review by the Garda authorities and I will ensure that all appropriate action will be taken to ensure that the problem is effectively tackled.