Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Oct 1995

Vol. 456 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cavan/Monaghan Crime Level.

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

19 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the increasing level of crime in the Cavan/Monaghan Garda divisional area; if she will ensure that there is no further reduction in the number of gardaí in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13411/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, in recent years, the Cavan/ Monaghan division has had one of the lowest crime rates in the State. For example, in 1993, of the 23 Garda divisions, the Cavan/Monaghan division had the fourth lowest number of reported crimes. In 1994, the division had the fifth lowest number of crimes. The 1993 figure showed a decrease of 4 per cent over the previous year and this pattern was repeated in 1994 when a decrease of 6 per cent was recorded.

In addition, the rate of detection in the division in 1993 and 1994 was the second highest and third highest respectively in the State. While provisional figures for 1995 indicate that there has been an increase in crime in the division, the indications are that this division still has the fifth lowest number of crimes committed per division.

The increase referred to above was mainly caused by a series of crimes committed by travelling criminals between November 1994 and March 1995. These crimes were mainly directed at business premises. Due to the relatively low level of crime, these crimes have had a substantial impact on the crime figures for the division.

As a response to the situation, the Garda initiated a major crime prevention programme in which all business premises in the division have been visited. Opportunities for crime at these premises have been assessed and crime prevention advice given as necessary. In this regard, some in the business community have responded and have fitted alarms and generally improved their security systems.

During the past three months, the number of crimes reported has fallen back to the levels obtaining in 1993 and 1994. I am informed by the Garda that they expect this trend to continue for the rest of the year.

Garda management is satisfied that the deployment of Garda manpower in the Cavan/Monaghan division is sufficient to meet the current policing needs of the division.