I am aware of an increase in the level of crime recently in the Borrisoleigh area. The Garda authorities have taken steps to address the situation by assigning an additional garda to Borrisoleigh on 18 March 1994, bringing the current strength there to two gardaí.
The gardaí are also taking special measures to combat crime in this area. These measures include the operation of checkpoints throughout the district on a regular basis. A community alert scheme was set up in Borrisoleigh in late 1993 and the local gardaí have been instructed to pay special attention to the elderly in the sub-district in order to assuage their anxiety. The gardaí report that they have identified the persons suspected of being responsible for a number of burglaries in Borrisoleigh in January of this year. One person has been arrested and charged with six of these burglaries and has been remanded in custody.
The Garda authorities also inform me that the crime prevention officer from Nenagh has visited each business premises in Borrisoleigh and given advice on security precautions. I understand that the district officer has met with representatives of the Borrisoleigh community alert group and the divisional officer also intends to do so shortly in order to allay their fears in relation to crime. The gardaí are satisfied that the current manpower and policing arrangements are adequate to meet the needs of the area but they are keeping the situation under continuing review.
