Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
600. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will seek assurances from the Garda authorities that effective action will be taken in respect of the reported increase in burglaries in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 24 which have been the subject of public meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1738/14]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in the Tallaght Garda District. Local Garda management is aware of the current crime levels in respect of burglary offences in the area. In this regard I am advised that in early December 2013 the District Officer in Tallaght met with a Residents Committee in the area in question and explained the measures in place to combat various types of crime. In addition, Gardaí in Tallaght launched a Crime Prevention Campaign during December, making use of the Crimecall television programme with the District Officer making an appeal to people to be aware of general crime prevention measures.
I am further informed that Garda data shows a decrease in burglaries in the Tallaght District, in line with the national trend. As the Deputy may be aware the latest crime statistics show that the rate of burglary has decreased by 10.4% nationally for the twelve months ending 30 September 2013 and this underlines the impact being made by Gardaí under Operation Fiacla. As part of the measures which are coordinated under Operation Fiacla, Operation Acer is in force throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region, including Tallaght. It is an intelligence driven operation and includes analysis led checkpoints and patrols to target specific areas and case manage targeted offenders. These arrangements are kept under review to ensure adjustments are made to maintain the effective focus of the operation.
Operation Acer operates alongside ongoing community policing measures, incorporating problem solving with local communities and ongoing liaison with schools, businesses and households in providing crime prevention advice and assistance to victims of burglary, including the initiatives in Tallaght referred to above.
Local Garda management closely monitor the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
