Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 2

Written Answers. - Crime Prevention.

Eoin Ryan

Ceist:

62 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice her views on whether vulnerable small businesses are now increasingly being targeted by criminals in view of increased security at banks, building societies and other large premises; the plans, if any, she has to tackle this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12917/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

As the question is a speculative one, it is not possible to give a definite answer.

I am informed by the Garda authorities, however, that a comprehensive range of crime prevention advice is disseminated to the business community on an ongoing basis. In addition, Business Watch schemes have been developed as an important community based initiative aimed at both small and large businesses. There are, at present, approximately 60 Business Watch schemes in operation throughout the country.

Each Garda division has a crime prevention officer who is available to small businesses to advise and provide information on their security needs. Further support is available from the National Crime Prevention Unit, based at Harcourt Square, Dublin. During 1994, Garda crime prevention officers carried out a total of 5,440 crime prevention surveys of public and private properties throughout the country. The Garda authorities are satisfied that these measures are adequate to meet the requirements of the small business community.