Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014
414. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the success of Operation Acer across the Dublin metropolitan region since its inception, with particular regard to the areas policed by Garda stations (details supplied). [6183/14]
View answerAs part of the measures which are coordinated under Operation Fiacla, Operation Acer commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) in March 2012. The operation is in force throughout the DMR including the areas referred to by the Deputy, and has resulted in a reduction in the number of burglaries in those areas. Operation Acer is an intelligence driven operation and includes analysis led checkpoints and patrols to target specific areas and case manage targeted offenders. 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 the Gardaí.
Operation Acer operates alongside ongoing community policing measures, including problem solving with local communities and ongoing liaison with schools, businesses and households in providing crime prevention advice and assistance to victims of burglary. I am advised that the arrangements in relation to Operation Acer plans are kept under review to ensure that appropriate adjustments are made to maintain the effective focus of the operation.
