Vol. 575 No. 3
91 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to figures produced by a security company (details supplied), showing that burglaries had increased by 21% in the 12 months up to June 2003; the steps being taken to deal with this huge increase in burglaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28239/03]
I am aware of the report in question. It is unclear whether the figures in the report are compiled according to the strict legal definition of the offence of burglary, as is the case with the Garda figures, or whether other household crimes were included. It is also unclear whether the figures relate to the company's clients only and whether account has been taken of the increase in the company's client base.
The figures in question are therefore not directly comparable to Garda statistics. In fact, provisional Garda figures for the 12 month period up to the end of June, 2003 show a 5% decrease in burglary when compared to the previous 12 month period. The Garda supports and fosters a number of crime prevention measures which have direct value for householders including the neighbourhood watch scheme which was established in 1985 by the Garda. In common with other community-based schemes, it enlists the voluntary help of the community in co-operation with the Garda Síochána. There are some 2,600 neighbourhood watch schemes in operation nation-wide with over 400,000 households involved. The scheme is currently organised by the Garda Síochána community relations section.
In addition, a similar partnership of relevance to rural communities is the community alert programme, which is part funded by my Department in partnership with Muintir na Tíre. The programme currently consists of over 1,100 schemes, covering almost 250,000 homes. This scheme has particular reference to the security of older persons.
Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 58.
