Vol. 451 No. 5
136 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing spate of burglaries and burning of cars in areas (details supplied) of Dublin 8; the steps, if any, she and the Garda Síochána intend taking to reduce the high level of crime affecting this community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6828/95]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, following an increase in burglaries in the area in question towards the end of last year and the beginning of this year, special crime patrols were put in place and individuals suspected of the offences were identified and targeted. As a result of these measures, five persons have been charged with committing burglaries in the area and some of the property stolen has been recovered. So far this year, six burglaries have been committed and five have been detected.
As regards the burning of cars, I have been informed that there has been one such incident this year. While this type of incident is to be deplored, I am informed that it has occurred against the backdrop of a significant reduction in the number of unauthorised takings of motor vehicles so far this year as compared to 1994.
