Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
656. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in relation to the 40% rise in crime in County Meath, the steps he is taking to tackle this increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5676/13]
View answerThe official crime statistics published by the Central Statistics Office for the period to the end of Quarter 3 in 2012 indicate that, in common with trends nationally, most categories of recorded crime in Meath are at lower or similar levels to that experienced over the previous 12 months.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that property crime and crimes against the person are all down in the Meath Division and that a substantial turnaround in burglary was evident in the second half of 2012 in particular.
The Meath Garda Division is subject to regular patrols by local uniformed and plain clothes personnel, augmented by the Detective Unit and Community Policing Unit, together with the Divisional Traffic Unit and the Regional Support Unit as required.
Local Garda management closely monitors such patrols, and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in these areas to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources to provide the best possible Garda service to the public. While the situation is being kept under review, Garda management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the communities in the areas concerned and that the current structures in place deliver an effective and efficient policing service.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner has put Operation Fiacla in place in order to address incidents of burglary, aggravated burglaries and related offences throughout the country. Operation Fiacla is intelligence driven and specific burglary initiatives have been implemented in each Garda Region to target suspect offenders. I am informed that as of 31 January 2013, 3,903 persons have been arrested and 2,142 persons have been charged with burglary offences under Operation Fiacla.
An Garda Síochána also places great emphasis on the importance of community partnerships such as Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch, in preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. Gardaí continue to invest time and energy in these partnerships and relationships to the benefit of all.
