Michael D. Higgins
Question:84 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of armed robberies carried out since the beginning of 1999 [24304/99]
Written Answers. - Crime Levels.
While I am concerned about any armed robbery and, while compared to the low levels of 1998, there is an upward trend in the incidence of armed crime this year, the level is still well below that of 1995 or 1996.
Statistics for the number of armed robberies and armed aggravated burglaries are contained in the following table.
|
Year |
Number of Armed Robberies andArmed Aggravated Burglaries |
|
1995 |
542 |
|
1996 |
481 |
|
1997 |
252 |
|
1998 |
221 |
|
1999 (to end Sept) |
206 |
As the Deputy will note the statistics indicate a strong and sustained decrease in armed crime over the period, with the level of armed crime for 1998 approximately 40% of the 1995 value. The statistics also show that the detection rate over these five years has also risen from 28% in 1995 to 40% in 1998. Naturally I am concerned about any armed robbery and while compared to the low levels of 1998, there is an upward trend in armed crime this year, the present level is still well below that of 1995 or 1996.