Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 1

Written Answers. - Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

Ivor Callely

Question:

233 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the level of enthusiasm for neighbourhood watch schemes; the evaluation, if any, which has been carried out to establish the effect of neighbourhood watch schemes on crime; if he will give details of the neighbourhood watch schemes in the Dublin Metropolitan Area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18340/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 1,058 neighbourhood watch schemes in operation in Dublin. An evaluation of the scheme will take place in the near future.

An evaluation of community alert schemes in four areas showed a drop in crime levels from the time of commencement of the schemes in comparison to the time preceding the schemes.