Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
554. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the recent spate of burglaries in Sutton housing estates (details supplied); the discussions he has had with Garda authorities on the matter; the action being taken to address the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7691/14]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within the Howth Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of the recent burglary incidents referred to by the Deputy and have advised me that a number of targeted proactive measures were put in place in response, and that these have had an immediate impact in terms of reducing the number of such incidents.
In more general terms, I am further informed that Garda data shows an ongoing decrease in burglaries in the Howth Sub-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 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 the Howth Sub-District. 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, including problem solving with the community and providing crime prevention advice and assistance to victims of burglary. There is also full engagement with local Neighbourhood Watch and other community groups in the area.
