Derek McDowell
Ceist:52 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the initiatives, if any, he has taken to combat the stolen car crisis in the greater Dublin area. [3188/98]
Written Answers. - Car Theft.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:270 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the large numbers of stolen cars in the north-east Dublin area; if the device known as the stinger has been used to deter this criminal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3187/98]
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:271 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures, if any, he has taken to prevent the stealing of cars and so-called joy-riding; the resources, if any, he has allocated to examine measures used in other jurisdictions to prevent such criminal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3186/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 270 and 271 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a number of initiatives have been taken to deal with the problem of unauthorised taking of vehicles. These include the use of a vehicle-stopping device, known as stinger, on a number of occasions in locations where the safety of the general public has not been endangered. In addition, high visibility patrols using four-wheel-drive vehicles are in operation and regular checkpoints are also carried out. I am informed also that the Garda air support unit has been used successfully on a number of occasions in deterring and apprehending offenders.
The Garda authorities keep the situation under review and are ready to introduce any new measures which show promise. As part of this, visits to inspect equipment, and assess measures taken on the ground in other jurisdictions, are undertaken where necessary as part of the ongoing research activities of the Garda National Traffic Policy Bureau based in Garda Headquarters.