Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 January 2013
161. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the initiatives taken by the Gardaí to tackle rural crime, particularly burglaries of homes and farmyards; if there are specific initiatives to protect the elderly in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3501/13]
View answerI am very conscious of the deep distress which burglary and similar crimes can cause to householders in rural areas, and the broader impact it can have in terms of fear of crime in our communities, particularly among the elderly.
While the latest official crime statistics from the Central Statistics Office show that most types of crime are in fact falling, I remain concerned, as does the Garda Commissioner, about the incidence of burglary and therefore welcome the progress being made as part of Operation Fiacla. The Operation is the subject of regular monitoring and review by senior Garda management and is focused on identifying and targeting gangs involved in burglaries around the country so as to disrupt their activities and bring them before the Courts.
Operation Fiacla is intelligence driven, and specific burglary initiatives have been implemented in each Garda Region to target suspect offenders. These initiatives optimise the use of existing structures and local Garda management ensure that all personnel are fully briefed on the initiative, with Divisional Crime Management Teams playing a key coordination and implementation role.
I am further informed that, as of 31 December 2012, 3,538 persons have been arrested and 1,924 persons have been charged as part of the Operation, showing that the Garda Commissioner is effectively deploying the substantial resources available to him in a targeted approach to confront those engaged in this form of criminality.
In addition to this specific operation, the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime and is directed and supported each year by the Garda Síochána Annual Policing Plan. Each Garda District and Divisional Officer also configures their policing response to local conditions to ensure that an appropriate policing service is delivered to rural areas. The Gardaí continue to work closely with communities to enhance community safety in a wide range of local fora, including the Joint Policing Committees, and through programmes such as Community Alert which operates in cooperation with the programme partners, Muintir na Tíre, and has led to the establishment of 1,345 Community Alert groups countrywide.
An Garda Síochána's Older People Strategy reiterates An Garda Síochána’s overriding objective, set out in the Strategy Statement 2010-2012, which is to prevent, detect and disrupt crime and criminal activity and to ensure that people feel safe in their homes, on our roads and in public places, specifically as it refers to older people.
During 2012, the national Garda Supporting Safer Community Campaigns have continued to highlight key issues, in particular Crime Prevention. The first campaign took place in May and the second campaign, which took place in September, focused primarily on Burglary, Road Safety and Supporting Victims of Crime.
In addition, An Garda Síochána are developing further strategies in relation to the prevention and reduction of burglaries and metal theft.
It is the Government's intention to ensure that frontline services are maintained at the highest level possible through the most efficient use of resources. The Commissioner enjoys my full support and that of the Government in continuing to confront crime in all its forms. I have every confidence that he and everyone in An Garda Síochána will continue to deliver an effective police service in rural as in all other areas.
